PENNINGTON & REDDEN (No.2)

In the matter of *Pennington & Redden (No.2)*, Judge Brown of the Family Court of Australia considered final parenting arrangements for three children aged 16 and 13, in circumstances of high conflict, numerous contravention applications, and undefended proceedings. The dispute centred on the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and related communication and behavioural orders.

The court was required to determine the children's best interests, specifically addressing the weight to be given to their expressed wishes, the importance of maintaining a meaningful relationship with both parents, and the need to protect the children from emotional harm. Further issues included the allocation of parental responsibility, the specific terms of time spent between the children and each parent during school terms, holidays, and special occasions, and the appropriate communication protocols between the parents. The court also had to consider applications for costs.

Judge Brown applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), focusing on the paramountcy of the children's best interests. The court considered the history of conflict and contravention applications, noting the impact on the children. The orders reflect a determination to provide stability and structure, with significant emphasis on the children's wishes, particularly for the eldest child, in relation to time spent with the father. The court also made detailed orders regarding communication, parental conduct, and the exchange of children's belongings, including injunctions to prevent denigration and to manage the father's presence at school and extracurricular activities.

The court ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility and that the children live with her. Specific time arrangements were detailed for the father, with provisions for school terms, short holidays, and long holidays, all subject to the children's wishes in certain respects. The orders also included arrangements for special occasions, communication protocols, and injunctions restraining specific behaviours. Finally, the court dismissed all extant applications and ordered the father to pay costs to the mother and to a psychology and mediators service.