Wyndham and Wyndham

In *Wyndham and Wyndham*, the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning the parenting arrangements for three children. The dispute involved the father and mother, who sought to vary existing orders regarding their children.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate orders for equal shared parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the time each parent would spend with the children. Specific issues included how the children would spend time with each parent during school terms and holidays, arrangements for significant days, communication protocols between parents, access to health records, and restrictions on denigration and discussing court proceedings with the children. The court also had to consider the father's occupation in the Armed Forces and its implications for overseas travel.

Judge Harland made detailed orders reflecting a balance between the parents' responsibilities and the children's welfare. The court ordered equal shared parental responsibility and that the children live with the mother. Specific time arrangements were set for the children with their father, with variations for school terms, holidays, and significant days. The court also imposed strict communication guidelines, requiring email or text for non-urgent matters and immediate notification for emergencies. Further orders included provisions for obtaining health records, maintaining updated contact details, and facilitating communication between parents and children. Crucially, the court restrained both parents from denigrating each other or discussing court proceedings with the children, and specifically ordered that the father consult the mother before taking the children to any medical practitioner or counsellor. Orders 5, 7, 8, 18, and 21 were not by consent.