Slattery and Nolan

This matter concerned an application by the mother, Ms Slattery, in proceedings before Judge Newbrun concerning the parenting arrangements for two children, X and Y. The dispute revolved around the specific orders sought by the mother regarding parental responsibility, living arrangements, and communication between the children and their father.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders for parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the nature and extent of the children's time with and communication with their father. Additionally, the court had to consider orders relating to the parents' obligations to facilitate the children's relationship with each other, their schooling, and the exchange of information, as well as prohibitions against denigration and discussing the proceedings in the children's presence.

Judge Newbrun dismissed the mother's application and her proposed orders, discharging all prior orders. The court ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for major long-term decisions concerning the children, and that the children live with the mother. The children were to spend time with and communicate with their father in accordance with their wishes and as directly arranged between them and their father. The father was ordered to accommodate the children's wishes regarding time with him, including the presence of another adult if requested. The mother was directed to encourage the children's relationship with their father and facilitate their time with him. Both parents were ordered to keep each other informed of contact details, notify each other of significant illness or injury, provide authorities for medical information, and participate in counselling if requested. Finally, both parents were restrained from discussing the proceedings or denigrating each other or their extended families in the presence or hearing of the children, and from allowing others to do so.