Event and Time
Event Description
This case pertains to a family law matter involving parenting arrangements following the separation of the parents, Mr. Debenham and Ms. Trescott. The court's final hearing was conducted on 11 October 2021, focusing on the re-establishment of the children’s relationship with their father through therapeutic intervention.
Application and Claims
- Father's Claims: The father, Mr. Debenham, requested an interim parenting order for his children to participate in family therapy led by a specific therapist, Ms. B. His aim was to facilitate and strengthen his relationship with his children, especially with his youngest child, Y.
- Mother's Claims: Ms. Trescott opposed the father's application for additional therapy, citing concerns about the children's well-being and their expressed frustrations with the ongoing court processes. She argued that the children should not be compelled to undergo therapy against their wishes.
Judicial Decisions
The court ordered: 1. Sole Parental Responsibility: The mother retains sole responsibility for long-term health and education decisions for the children. 2. Equal Shared Parental Responsibility: Shared responsibility for other long-term decisions not related to health or education. 3. Living Arrangements: The children reside primarily with the mother. 4. Communication Rights: The father is granted limited communication rights with the children (emails and texts) and must send letters, cards, and gifts no more than once every two months. 5. Therapeutic Intervention: The court ordered that Y must attend therapeutic counselling with the specified therapist to promote his welfare and facilitate a relationship with the father, with the father bearing the cost unless otherwise agreed. 6. Adjournment: The matter was adjourned for further mention.