PARISH & PARISH

This matter concerned final parenting orders sought by the mother against the father concerning the three children of their relationship. The court was required to determine the final arrangements for parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the time the children would spend with the father.

Benjamin J determined that the mother should have sole parental responsibility for the children, and that the children should live with her. The court also made detailed interim orders regarding the father's time with the children, which were to commence with supervised contact and gradually increase in frequency and duration. These orders included specific provisions for collection and return of the children, communication between the father and children, and attendance at school and extracurricular activities.

The court also made final orders requiring the father to re-do the Parenting Orders Program and engage in personal counselling, with reports to be provided. Further final orders addressed communication between the parents, prohibiting abuse or demeaning conduct, and authorising schools and medical practitioners to provide information to both parents. The court also directed that a fact sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravening the orders be attached.

By way of final order, the mother was granted sole parental responsibility and the children were ordered to live with her. The father was ordered to undertake further counselling and programs. Interim orders were made for the father's time with the children, with a future mention date set to address any outstanding issues regarding that time. All other applications were dismissed.