Ricketts and Crowe

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Judge Kelly in relation to four children: A, C, B, and X. The dispute involved the maternal grandmother, Ms Crowe, and the applicant, Ms Ricketts, as well as the children's mother and respective fathers. The court was required to determine the living arrangements and parental responsibilities for the children, as well as the nature and extent of contact between the children and their parents and Ms Ricketts.

The court was tasked with determining the best interests of the children in light of the circumstances presented. This involved deciding who should have sole parental responsibility for their care, welfare, and development, and establishing specific arrangements for the children to spend time with their mother, fathers, and Ms Ricketts. Furthermore, the court needed to address communication protocols between the parties involved in co-parenting and to consider injunctive orders to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.

Judge Kelly ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. For children A, C, and B, the maternal grandmother, Ms Crowe, was granted sole parental responsibility, with the children to live with her. Supervised time with their mother and respective fathers was to be arranged by agreement with Ms Crowe, with supervision if deemed necessary for the children's safety. For child X, Ms Crowe was also granted sole parental responsibility, with the children to live with her. Ms Crowe was directed to consult with Ms Ricketts regarding major decisions about X's health and education. Specific arrangements were then detailed for X to spend time with Ms Ricketts, including regular weekend and holiday contact, with provisions for handover procedures and ongoing communication. The court also made orders regarding co-parenting communication, requiring respectful interactions and the sharing of relevant information. Finally, injunctive orders were made restraining various behaviours, including unsupervised contact with certain individuals, alcohol consumption in the presence of the children, denigration of other parties, exposure to family violence, and discussion of proceedings on social media.