WALLINGTON & WALLINGTON (No.4)

In the matter of *Wallington & Wallington (No.4)*, Judge Dunkley of the Family Court of Australia considered allegations of contravention of parenting orders brought by the father against the mother. The dispute centred on the mother's alleged failure to comply with various orders concerning the children's communication with the father and their attendance at specific activities.

The court was required to determine whether the mother had contravened the parenting orders as alleged, and if so, whether such contraventions were without reasonable excuse. Further, the court had to assess the seriousness of any proven contraventions and consider the appropriate orders to be made in light of those findings, including the potential discharge of existing orders and the imposition of new communication arrangements.

Judge Dunkley found that the mother had contravened specific orders relating to communication and the children's participation in activities, specifically Counts 5, 7, 9, and 11. While Count 9 was deemed a less serious contravention, the contraventions in Counts 5, 7, and 11 were classified as more serious. The court dismissed the allegations in Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 13. In relation to the proven contraventions, the court discharged an existing order and made new orders requiring the mother to facilitate Skype communication between the father and the children, including an obligation to ensure a device was available and to actively encourage the children to participate in the calls. The matter was adjourned for a sentence hearing.