Thorn and Whitehead and Ors

This matter concerned applications relating to the parenting of two children, X and Y, before Judge Jones. The primary dispute involved the living arrangements and parental responsibility for the children, as well as the terms of the mother's time with them and the involvement of their fathers.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders for the children's residence, parental responsibility, and the specific arrangements for the mother to spend time and communicate with the children. Further issues included the role of the maternal grandfather in the children's lives, the mother's engagement with mental health services, and the extent to which the children's fathers should spend time with them. The court also considered the discharge of the Independent Children's Lawyer and the dismissal of extant applications.

Judge Jones ordered that the children live with their maternal grandfather, who was granted sole parental responsibility. The grandfather was directed to inform the mother of any long-term decisions regarding the children and their reasons. Specific, detailed arrangements were set out for the mother to spend time and communicate with the children during school terms, school holidays, and on special occasions. The mother was also ordered to maintain engagement with mental health services and comply with recommendations, with her time with the children to be suspended upon non-compliance. The maternal grandfather was to facilitate the children's schools providing information to the mother and fathers, and the fathers were to spend time with their children as agreed with the grandfather. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged, and all other extant applications were dismissed.