Sandridge and Graycie

The proceedings involved an applicant father and a respondent mother concerning the care arrangements for their children. The court was required to make orders regarding the children's living arrangements and time spent with each parent, notwithstanding an existing Apprehended Violence Order made by the Local Court at Blacktown.

The central legal issues before the court were the interim parenting arrangements for the children, including where they would live and the specific times they would spend with each parent. The court also had to consider the implications of the existing Apprehended Violence Order on these arrangements and make orders to protect the children's welfare. Further issues included the need for psychological assessment of the children's welfare and parental capacities, and the restriction of certain communications and behaviours concerning the children.

Judge Stewart made orders that the children were to return to the father's care and live with him until further order. The mother was granted specific time with the children each Sunday, with further time to be agreed between the parties and approved by the Independent Children's Lawyer. The court also imposed restraints on both parents, prohibiting denigration of the other parent in the children's presence, discussion of proceedings with the children, and the showing of court documents to them. By consent, the children's passports were to be lodged with the court. The court also ordered, by consent, that both parents consult with a Clinical Psychologist regarding the children's care and welfare, with each parent to bear half the cost of the report. The proceedings were adjourned for a further interim hearing, and the court directed that a copy of its orders be forwarded to the Registrar of the Local Court at Blacktown.