WELSING & WELSING

This matter concerned parenting orders for the children X and Y, with the primary dispute revolving around the time Y would spend with each parent. The relationship between the parents was described as acrimonious, and the court was required to consider the child's views, the importance of a meaningful relationship with both parents, and the potential for transitional orders to facilitate increased time with the father.

The court was tasked with determining the appropriate time arrangements for Y, specifically addressing whether the child's expressed desire to spend more time with the father should carry significant weight, given the limited time Y currently spent with him. The court also needed to balance the principle of maintaining a meaningful relationship with both parents against the backdrop of parental conflict and the child's potential views.

Judge Young made orders by consent, establishing equal shared parental responsibility for both children. Y was ordered to live with the Mother, with specific transitional orders for time spent with the Father, gradually increasing over school terms. The orders also detailed arrangements for school holidays, days of significance, communication protocols, and injunctions preventing denigration of a parent. Further orders addressed medical appointments, travel, and the provision of information to both parents regarding the children's education and health. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged, and all extant applications were dismissed.