Underwood and Pratt

In the matter of Underwood and Pratt, heard before Judge Scarlett, the dispute concerned parenting orders for four children: W, X, Y, and Z. The court was tasked with determining the appropriate arrangements for the children's care, time spent with each parent, and related matters.

The primary legal issues before the court were to establish equal shared parental responsibility for the children, determine with whom the children would live, and set out the specific times the children would spend with their father, including during school terms and holidays. The court also had to consider provisions for special occasions, communication between parents and children, and injunctive relief to protect the children from parental criticism and discussion of court proceedings.

Judge Scarlett discharged all earlier parenting orders and made new orders reflecting equal shared parental responsibility. The children were ordered to live with the Mother, with detailed provisions outlining the Father's time with them, including alternating weekends during school terms and specific arrangements for school holidays. The court also included orders for liberal telephone communication, injunctions restraining criticism of either parent in the children's presence or discussion of proceedings with the children, and obligations for each parent to inform the other of significant events concerning the children's health or welfare.