Tony & Masjid

In the matter of *Tony & Masjid*, Guest J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning three children. The dispute involved the allocation of parental responsibilities and the children's living arrangements and time spent with each parent.

The court was required to determine the extent of joint and sole responsibility for the children's long-term care, welfare, and development, including specific considerations for health issues. Further, the court needed to establish the children's primary residence and the nature and extent of their time with the husband, as well as the necessity and form of family therapy.

Guest J ordered that the husband and wife share joint responsibility for the children's long-term care, welfare, and development, with the wife having sole responsibility for long-term health issues. The children were ordered to live with the wife. The court also mandated attendance at family therapy for a maximum of six months to address the children's issues with their father and improve their relationship, with the children's time with the husband to be determined by the counsellor and agreed upon by the parties and children. Specific provisions were made for the children to spend time with the husband at his residence prior to Christmas 2007 to receive presents. All previous parenting orders were discharged, the Independent Children's Lawyer's appointment discharged, and all extant applications dismissed.