Pike and Skilton

This case involved an application concerning parental responsibility and the living arrangements for three children, X, Y, and Z. The proceedings were before Judge Coker.

The court was required to determine the extent of parental responsibility for major long-term issues, where the children would live, and the nature and supervision of the children's time spent with the Mother. Additionally, the court needed to address provisions for family and personal counselling, the communication protocols between the parents, and arrangements for overseas travel. The court also considered injunctions to be placed upon the Mother and the process for future dispute resolution.

Judge Coker ordered that the Father would have sole parental responsibility for all major long-term issues concerning the children, subject to a process of consultation with the Mother. The children were ordered to live with the Father. The Mother's time with the children was to be supervised, initially for three hours each alternate weekend, with provisions for increasing this time and the nature of supervision contingent on the Mother engaging with mental health professionals and reports confirming the children's safety. The orders also detailed specific arrangements for special days, including Mother's Day, birthdays, and Christmas, and mandated joint attendance at psychological assessments to report on the children's living arrangements and the Mother's progress. Further orders addressed the children's ongoing counselling, communication between parents, and restrictions on the Mother's contact with the children and certain individuals.

The court also made orders regarding overseas travel, requiring the Father to provide notice and details to the Mother, and restraining the Mother from overseas travel with the children during supervised time. A process for family dispute resolution was established for significant changes to living arrangements or disputes regarding the terms of the orders. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged, and parties were granted liberty to apply within 28 days for clarification of the orders and in respect of costs.