v and R

This matter concerned an application by the Father and Mother regarding the parenting arrangements for their two children, A and B. The proceedings were before Barry J.

The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the children, the nature and extent of the Father's time with the children, and the respective responsibilities of each parent concerning the children's care, welfare, and development. Further issues included the communication between the Father and the children, and the provision of information regarding the children's schooling and medical treatment. The court also considered the role of the Independent Children's Lawyer and the need for a Family Consultant to explain the orders to the children.

Barry J ordered that the children live with the Mother and that the Father have unsupervised time with the children on the first Sunday of each month, with specific provisions for the initial six months involving the paternal grandmother's attendance. The Mother was granted sole responsibility for the children's long-term care, welfare, and development, while each parent was responsible for the day-to-day care of the children when they were in their respective care. The Father was authorised to obtain information about the children's schooling and medical treatment at his own expense, and the Mother was required to notify him of any significant medical treatment. Provisions were also made for telephone and postal communication between the Father and the children, and the Mother was required to provide notice before changing the children's school. The court requested a Family Consultant to speak with the children about the orders and discharged the Independent Children's Lawyer after six months unless otherwise ordered. All parties were given liberty to apply on short notice.