TEMPLER & TEMPLER

In the matter of TEMPLER & TEMPLER, Judge Newbrun made orders concerning the parenting arrangements for the child, X, born in 2005. The dispute centred on the best interests of X, with the court tasked with determining the appropriate orders for parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with each parent.

The court was required to determine the specific orders for equal shared parental responsibility, where X would live, and the schedule for X's time with the Father. Additionally, the court addressed the need for family therapy between X and the Father, the process for selecting a therapist, communication protocols between the parents, and provisions for urgent medical situations. The court also considered orders restraining derogatory commentary about a parent in the presence of X and prohibiting discussion of the proceedings with X.

In reaching its decision, the court applied the paramount consideration of the best interests of the child. The orders reflect a carefully balanced approach, granting equal shared parental responsibility while stipulating that X would live with the Mother. Specific time arrangements were detailed for X to spend with the Father, with a distinction made for periods before and after 2021, and including provisions for holidays and X's birthday. The court mandated family therapy between X and the Father, outlining a process for its commencement and continuation, and specifying that the Father would bear the costs. Further orders established communication methods between the parents, procedures for changeovers, and measures to protect X from parental conflict and discussions about the legal proceedings. The Independent Children's Lawyer's application for costs was dismissed.