PARRISH & SMART

In the matter of *Parrish & Smart*, Judge McGuire considered an application concerning the parenting arrangements for three children. The dispute centred on the future care and responsibility for the children, X, Y (also known as Smart), and Z, following the breakdown of the parents' relationship.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate orders for parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent between the children and each parent. A key issue was the extent to which the mother should retain involvement in the children's lives, particularly concerning educational and medical matters, and the nature and frequency of her contact with them. The court also considered the role of an Independent Children’s Lawyer and the need for ongoing counselling for the children and the mother.

Judge McGuire ordered the discharge of all extant orders and granted the father sole parental responsibility for the children, subject to specific conditions. These conditions required the father to keep the mother informed of educational and medical issues and to provide necessary authorities for her access to relevant professionals. The children were ordered to live with the father. The court also made detailed provisions for the children to spend time with the mother, including alternate Saturdays for all three children, and additional Tuesday time for Z. Provisions were made for agreed-upon additional time and for the children and mother to attend counselling as directed by a professional. The appointment of the Independent Children’s Lawyer was to be discharged after three months.