Tealle and Tealle

This case concerned parenting orders for two children, X and Y, born in 2006 and 2008 respectively. The dispute was between the Applicant Mother and the Respondent Father regarding the children's living arrangements, parental responsibility, and time spent with each parent. The matter was heard by Judge Scarlett.

The court was required to determine the primary living arrangements for the children, whether parental responsibility should be shared equally, and the specific terms of the time the children would spend with each parent. Additionally, the court needed to address practical matters such as school enrolment for one of the children and communication arrangements between the parents. The court also considered the parents' respective concerns regarding the children's well-being and the father's financial obligations.

Judge Scarlett discharged all previous parenting orders and made new orders for the children to live with the Applicant Mother. The court ordered equal shared parental responsibility for both children. The father was granted specific periods of time with the children during school terms and holidays, with detailed provisions for special days such as Father's Day, Christmas, and birthdays. The court also established protocols for changeovers, communication, and the exchange of information regarding the children's schooling and medical care. Notably, the court ordered the father to lodge outstanding income tax returns for several financial years. The court also commented on the unsatisfactory method of introducing expert reports into evidence, advocating for them to be on affidavit deposed to by the author.