WESLEY & HUNT

In the matter of *Wesley & Hunt*, heard before Murphy J, the court considered orders relating to the living arrangements and parental responsibilities for two children. The dispute involved the mother and the father, with an Independent Children’s Lawyer appointed to represent the children's interests. The proceedings concluded by consent of the mother and the Independent Children’s Lawyer.

The primary legal issue before the court was to determine and formalise consent orders concerning the children's residence, parental responsibility, and the specific arrangements for the father's time with the children. The court was also required to consider the terms of these consent orders, including provisions for communication, notification of significant events, and the children's schooling and welfare. Furthermore, the court needed to establish a framework for the finalisation of these orders and the discharge of the Independent Children’s Lawyer.

Murphy J made orders by consent, reflecting an agreement between the parties and the Independent Children’s Lawyer. These orders stipulated that the children would live with their mother and that the parties would share equal parental responsibility. Specific arrangements were detailed for the father's time with the children, including provisions for Saturdays, Father's Day, and communication. The orders also included clauses regarding the collection and return of the children, notice periods for time, the use of a communication book, information sharing from schools, attendance at events, notification of illness or injury, continued enrolment at a specific school, and prohibitions against denigrating the other parent. The court also outlined a process for the father to relist the matter if necessary, and for the eventual finalisation of the interim orders as final orders, subject to certain conditions and timelines.

The court further ordered that particulars of the obligations created by these orders, the consequences of contravention, and details of support services be included in a Fact Sheet attached to the orders, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the relevant legislation. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was directed to serve the consent minutes and a summary of the court's reasons on the father by various means. Failing further order, the interim consent orders were to become final on 11 May 2011, at which time the Independent Children’s Lawyer would be discharged, and all extant applications dismissed.