Thomas and Stirling

In the matter of *Thomas and Stirling*, heard before Bennett J, the court was required to determine parenting orders concerning the children, S Thomas Stirling and M Thomas Stirling. The dispute involved the parents' respective responsibilities and the children's living arrangements and time with each parent.

The court was tasked with determining the extent of parental responsibility for the children's education and other long-term care, welfare, and development decisions. Further issues included the children's primary residence, the possibility of international relocation, and the specific arrangements for the children to spend time with and communicate with each parent, including provisions for travel and communication methods. The court also considered the discharge of previous orders and the registration of new orders internationally.

Bennett J discharged all previous parenting orders. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for the children's education, with the father to be kept informed of significant decisions in this area. For all other long-term decisions concerning the children's care, welfare, and development, the parents were to have equal shared parental responsibility. The children were ordered to live with the mother in Australia, and she was restrained from removing them from Australia without the father's consent or a further court order. Detailed provisions were made for the children to spend time with the father, both in Australia and in Europe, including specific requirements for notice, travel costs, and communication. The court also made orders regarding communication between the parents and children, information sharing, and the facilitation of school and medical arrangements. The court further directed the registration of these orders in Austria and the United Kingdom pursuant to the Hague Convention.