WEBBER & BUDD

In the matter of *Webber & Budd*, heard by Rose J, the dispute concerned parenting orders for two children, S and E. The mother sought to vary existing orders, expressing serious concerns about the father's capacity to manage the eldest child's significant medical condition. The central issue before the court was whether the father possessed the necessary ability to provide for the children's needs, particularly in light of the eldest child's health requirements.

The court was required to determine the appropriate arrangements for the father to spend time with the children, balancing the mother's concerns regarding the eldest child's medical management with the father's right to time with his children. This involved assessing the father's capacity to understand and respond to the child's health issues and to ensure the child's overall well-being during his care.

Rose J set aside all current interim and final parenting orders. The court then made new orders establishing a phased approach to the father's time with the children. Initially, supervised time was ordered, progressing to unsupervised alternate weekends, contingent upon written advice from the children's paediatric endocrinologist confirming that the eldest child's health management would not be adversely affected. The orders also detailed communication protocols, provisions for illness, changeover arrangements, and the importance of parental cooperation and avoiding criticism of each other in the children's presence. A family consultant was appointed to assist with compliance, and copies of the orders were to be sent to relevant medical practitioners.