Nowell and Backus

This matter concerned orders made by Hogan J in the Family Court of Australia regarding the children X and Y. The dispute involved the living arrangements and parental responsibilities for the children following separation.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the allocation of parental responsibility for long-term decision-making, and the specific arrangements for the children to spend time with each parent, including international travel. The court also needed to address communication protocols between the parents, the disclosure of information regarding the children's welfare and education, and prohibitions on discussing the proceedings with the children.

Hogan J ordered that the children live with the mother and that she have sole parental responsibility for all major long-term issues, with specific exceptions and procedural requirements for consultation with the father. The mother was permitted to relocate the children to New Zealand. Detailed provisions were made for the children to spend time with the father, including arrangements for travel between Australia and New Zealand, and communication between the parents and children. The court also made orders regarding the disclosure of medical and educational information, and prohibited the parents from discussing the proceedings with the children.