Warwick and Warwick

In the matter of *Warwick and Warwick*, Bell J made orders concerning the parenting of two children, a son born in July 1994 and a daughter born in March 1997. The dispute centred on the living arrangements and parental responsibilities for the children.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the allocation of parental responsibility for their long-term care, welfare, and development, and the specific arrangements for the children to spend time with the father. Additionally, the court addressed communication protocols between parents and children, the exchange of information regarding the children's education and health, and provisions for dispute resolution and the consequences of contravening the orders.

Bell J ordered that the children shall live with the mother and that she shall have sole parental responsibility for their long-term care, welfare, and development. The father was granted specific time with the children, including the first weekend of each month, designated periods during school holidays, and Father's Day weekend, with provisions for agreed or default arrangements for changeovers and communication. The orders also stipulated that neither parent should discuss adult or parental disputes with the children, prohibited tape recording of conversations with the children, and required notification of any change of residential address or telephone number. Further, each parent was authorised to obtain relevant information from the children's professional care providers, and both were prohibited from consuming illicit drugs while the children were in their care or for 24 hours prior. The parties were also directed to attend family dispute resolution before filing further applications concerning parenting matters.