SORRELL & HOLT

The case of *Sorrell & Holt* involved a dispute between parents concerning the care arrangements for their children, D and J. The matter came before Murphy J in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine the specific orders regarding parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the terms of contact between the children and each parent. Additionally, the court needed to address ancillary matters such as communication protocols between the parents, prohibitions on denigration of a parent, and restrictions concerning illicit drug use and building sites.

Murphy J made orders reflecting a regime of equal shared parental responsibility. The children were to live with the Mother at all times when not with the Father. Specific provisions were made for the Father's time with the children, including alternate weekends during school terms, half of school holidays, and specific arrangements for Christmas and Father's Day. The orders also included clauses requiring substantial presence of a parent when children are in their care, prohibiting denigration of the other parent, and restricting discussions of legal proceedings or child support with the children. Further orders addressed collection and changeover arrangements, prohibitions on children being at building sites, and restrictions on illicit drug use by parents or in the children's presence.

The court ordered that all extant applications be dismissed, subpoenaed documents returned, and the Independent Children's Lawyer discharged. A Fact Sheet detailing the particulars of the orders and potential consequences of contravention was attached to and incorporated into the orders.