Pearlman and Verell and Anor

This matter concerned an application for parenting orders before Judge Harland. The dispute involved the mother, the father, and the paternal grandmother, Ms Pearlman, regarding the care arrangements for two children. The paternal grandmother sought orders for the children to live with her, while the mother and father sought orders for equal shared parental responsibility.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting arrangements for the children, considering the principles of equal shared parental responsibility and the best interests of the children. Specifically, the court had to decide where the children would live, the extent of time they would spend with each parent and the paternal grandmother, and whether to impose injunctions to regulate the parties' conduct towards each other and the children. The court also considered the need for the parents to address issues through a recommended Parenting Orders Program.

Judge Harland ordered that the mother, father, and paternal grandmother have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were ordered to live with the applicant paternal grandmother. The court then detailed specific arrangements for the children to spend time and communicate with the respondent mother and the second respondent father, including regular weekend contact, special days, and telephone contact. Injunctions were also made restraining the mother and father from using illicit substances while the children were in their care, and restraining all parties from denigrating each other or discussing the proceedings with the children. The parents were also ordered to attend a Parenting Orders Program.