Pyke and Leon

This matter concerned parenting orders for two children, X and Y, born in 2005 and 2006 respectively. The dispute between the parents, Pyke and Leon, led to the court making orders regarding the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and international travel.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting arrangements for the children, including the discharge of previous orders, the establishment of equal shared responsibility for long-term issues, and the specific terms of the children's residence and time with each parent. Further issues included the conditions and procedures for overseas travel by the children, arrangements for school holidays, changeovers, the holding of passports, and communication protocols between the parents. The court also addressed the conduct of the parents, including restraints on denigration and discussion of contentious issues in the children's presence, and the role of the Independent Children's Lawyer.

Baumann J discharged all previous parenting orders and made new orders establishing equal shared responsibility for long-term issues, with the children to live with the Mother. The Father was granted specific time with the children on alternate weekends during school terms and half of each school holiday period, with alternating first and second halves in even and odd years respectively. Detailed provisions were made for overseas travel, including requirements for educational certificates, travel itineraries, insurance, and communication. The orders also stipulated notice periods for extended block holiday time, with specific provisions for the Father in 2018 as a make-up for overseas travel. Further orders addressed changeovers, passport custody, parenting courses, communication, medical information, school absences, and direct liaison with schools and sporting bodies. Restraints were imposed on denigration and discussion of contentious issues, and specific provisions were made to manage changeovers and the return of children to the correct parent. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.