White and Gibson

In this matter before Judge Bender, the court was asked to determine parenting orders concerning three children, X, Y, and Z, and their parents. The dispute centred on the arrangements for the children's living situations, time spent with each parent, and related matters such as schooling and communication.

The court was required to determine the specific orders regarding the children's residence, the allocation of parental responsibility, and the nature and extent of the time each child would spend with both the mother and the father. Further issues included the father's contact with the children, particularly concerning his partner's presence during that time, and the arrangements for the children's education and healthcare communication between the parents. The court also had to consider the surname of the children.

The court ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for X, Y, and Z, and the children were to live with her. Detailed provisions were made for the time X, Y, and Z would spend with the father, including specific days, alternate weekends, and school holidays, with variations for each child. Crucially, the court imposed restrictions on the father's behaviour concerning his partner when the children were in his care, particularly regarding physical affection and overnight stays. The mother was authorised to enrol X and Z in specific secondary colleges. Both parents were to be kept informed of the children's schooling and health, with provisions for communication with schools and health professionals. The court also ordered that the children's surname be changed to "Gibson-White" and that they be referred to by this surname.