Picton and Picton (No 2)

This matter concerned interim parenting orders sought by the father and mother in relation to their three children. The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for the children pending further orders, including the allocation of parental responsibility and the specific times the children would spend with each parent.

The court considered the best interests of the children in making its determination. It discharged previous parenting orders and made orders for equal shared parental responsibility. The court then detailed specific time arrangements for the children to spend with their father, differentiating between the older children, S and O, and the youngest child, E, particularly in relation to holiday periods and school terms. The court also made procedural orders regarding the filing and serving of affidavits, the exchange of documents, and the preparation of a trial plan, indicating that further evidence regarding the parents' respective allegations and contributions to assets would be required.

The court's reasoning involved establishing interim arrangements that aimed to provide stability and facilitate ongoing contact between the children and both parents. This included provisions for the transfer of E between parents, communication protocols, and the requirement for parents to provide evidence on specific factual matters relevant to the children's welfare and the parents' capacities. The court also noted the intention for an updating report from Dr M and for the parties to file updating affidavits to inform future proceedings.