Wellington and Frost

The case of *Wellington and Frost* concerned parenting orders made by Cronin J in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The dispute involved the father's contact with his four children and the allocation of parental responsibility for long-term decisions.

The court was required to determine the extent of the father's contact with the children, the nature of parental responsibility for major long-term decisions, and the provision of information regarding the children's schooling. The court also considered the discharge of the Independent Children's Lawyer and the dismissal of extant applications.

Cronin J ordered that the father be restrained from having contact with the children except as provided by the orders. This included liberty to send letters, cards, and presents on specific occasions, subject to the mother's right to vet all correspondence. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for major long-term decisions. The court also ordered that schools provide the father with newsletters, progress reports, and photographs, and that the mother provide the schools with a copy of the orders. The appointment of the Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged, and all other extant parenting orders and applications were dismissed, save for issues of costs. The orders included a fact sheet detailing obligations, consequences of contravention, and assistance for compliance, pursuant to ss 65DA(2) and 62B of the relevant legislation.