Woolley and Woolley

This matter concerned parenting orders sought by the father in relation to the parties' three children. The father sought orders that the children live with him and that he have sole parental responsibility for them, with specific provisions for the mother to spend time with the children. The mother sought orders for the children to spend time with her, for shared parental responsibility, and for the children to live with her.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in relation to their living arrangements, parental responsibility, and the nature and extent of the time the children would spend with each parent. Key issues included the allocation of sole or shared parental responsibility, the specific arrangements for the children's residence, and the practicalities of the mother's time with the children, including communication protocols, travel arrangements, and the sharing of information regarding the children's education and health.

Judge Obradovic ordered that the children live with the father and that the father have sole parental responsibility. However, the father was directed to keep the mother informed of all major long-term decisions concerning the children's education, health, and living arrangements. The children were to spend time with the mother for a two-hour period each week, at a time and place to be agreed in writing, with further time to be arranged by mutual agreement. Specific communication protocols were established for the mother to request time with the children, and for the father to confirm these arrangements. The court also made detailed orders regarding telephone contact, changeovers, the mother's attendance at the father's home, and the mother's ability to transport the children. Further orders addressed the children's passports, international travel arrangements for the father, and the exchange of information concerning the children's medical and educational matters.