Thompson and Edmond

In *Thompson and Edmond*, heard by Judge Middleton, the dispute concerned parenting orders for two children. The mother sought orders for the children to live with her and for her to have sole parental responsibility for significant long-term issues, with specific provisions for consultation with the father. The father sought orders for the children to spend time with him.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in relation to their living arrangements, parental responsibility, and the extent of time, if any, they should spend with each parent. The court also had to consider the appropriate mechanisms for communication and decision-making between the parents regarding the children's welfare, and the need to protect the children from parental conflict.

The court's reasoning, as reflected in the orders, indicates a determination that the children should live with the mother and that she should have sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues, including education, religious and cultural upbringing, and health. While granting the mother sole responsibility, the court stipulated a detailed process for consultation with the father on these matters, requiring the mother to inform him in writing of proposed decisions and reasons, allow him 14 days to respond, consider his views, and then inform him of her final decision. Crucially, the court ordered that the children spend no time with the father, and imposed strict prohibitions on denigration of either parent and discussion of the proceedings with the children.

The orders discharged all previous parenting orders and dismissed outstanding applications. The children were ordered to live with the mother, who was granted sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues, subject to a detailed consultation process with the father. The children were to spend no time with the father. Further orders addressed communication, the prohibition of denigration, and the confidentiality of proceedings.