Rasmussen and Rasmussen and Anor

This matter came before Faulks DCJ in the District Court. The proceedings concerned the parenting arrangements for two children, B and C, and involved the mother and father of the children, as well as an Independent Children's Lawyer. The dispute arose in the context of criminal proceedings against the father.

The court was required to determine the interim parenting orders for the children, including issues of parental responsibility, living arrangements, and the nature and extent of contact between the children and their father. The court also had to consider orders restraining discussion of the proceedings with the children and the father's involvement in criminal proceedings.

His Honour made orders that the mother would have sole parental responsibility for the children and that they would live with her. Contact between the children and their father was significantly restricted, limited to three hours per month under professional supervision, paid for by the father. Communication between the father and children was permitted via letters, cards, photographs, and emails, but not more than once a week, and only if the mother believed it would not cause harm or distress. Telephone contact was prohibited. The court also made orders regarding school communications and medical updates, and restrained both parents from discussing the proceedings with the children. The matter was adjourned until the completion of the criminal proceedings against the father, with liberty to restore the matter to the list if circumstances changed.