PETERS & MARCH

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Ryan J in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The parties involved were Ms March, the mother, and Mr Peters, the father, concerning their two children, J and L. The dispute revolved around the parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with the children.

The court was required to determine the extent of parental responsibility for each child, establish the primary living arrangements for J and L, and set out the specific periods of time the children would spend with Mr Peters. Additionally, the court needed to address provisions for communication between the children and the non-resident parent, arrangements for birthdays and holidays, and the process for obtaining passports for the children. The court also considered orders restraining disparaging remarks about a parent in the presence of the children and the notification requirements in cases of illness or injury.

Ryan J ordered that all prior parenting orders and injunctions concerning J and L be discharged. Ms March was granted sole parental responsibility for J, while both parents were to have equal shared parental responsibility for L. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with specific provisions for Mr Peters' time with them, including school term weekends, school holidays, and special occasions like Father's Day and Mother's Day. The orders also detailed arrangements for birthdays, communication, notification of illness or injury, and a restraint on derogatory remarks. The court also authorised the mother to obtain an Australian passport for J, dispensing with the father's (RN) authorisation, and required both parents to sign documents for L's passport.