Pitman & Bond

In the matter of *Pitman & Bond*, Judge Harland of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning two children, X and Y. The dispute involved the living arrangements and parental responsibility for the children, as well as the extent of the father's contact and communication with them.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in relation to their residence, parental responsibility, and the nature and extent of any time or communication the father should have with them. Additionally, the court had to consider provisions for the exchange of information regarding the children's schooling and the conduct of each parent in relation to the other and the children.

Judge Harland ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. The children were ordered to live with the mother, who was granted sole parental responsibility. The father was restrained from spending any time with or communicating with the children, with limited exceptions. These exceptions permitted the father to send age-appropriate letters, gifts, and photographs to the children via the mother, provided she was satisfied they were appropriate and did not denigrate her. The mother was also ordered to facilitate the children writing to the father if they wished. The court further ordered that the mother ensure the children's school reports were forwarded directly to the father at his expense, and that both parents refrain from denigrating each other to or in the presence of the children. Finally, both parties were ordered to provide and update their postal addresses.