TRENGOVE & CARLISLE

This matter concerned parenting orders sought by the mother against the father concerning their three children. The court was required to determine the arrangements for parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, communication between parents and children, and provisions relating to the children's health and education. Additionally, the court considered orders regarding the father's consumption of alcohol and the parties' participation in a Parenting Orders Program.

The court's reasoning focused on establishing orders that it considered to be in the best interests of the children. It discharged all previous orders and parenting plans, granting the mother sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues affecting the children. The mother was also ordered to have the children live with her. Specific provisions were made for the children to spend time with the father, including supervised visits on alternate Saturdays, with strict conditions regarding notice and attendance. Communication between the parents and children was also regulated, with emphasis on email for parental communication and specific times for telephone calls initiated by the children.

Further orders addressed the parents' conduct, prohibiting denigration of each other or their families in front of the children and requiring immediate removal from such environments if a third party engaged in such behaviour. The court also mandated that neither parent discuss the proceedings with the children and that they maintain updated contact details. The mother was directed to inform the father of the children's health issues, and both parents were authorised to obtain information from the children's educational and medical providers. The father was restrained from consuming alcohol for 24 hours prior to and during any time spent with the children. Finally, the parties were ordered to undertake a Parenting Orders Program, with detailed requirements for participation and compliance, and the Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.