A parent’s conduct will only become an issue where it affects the welfare of the children or goes to the issue of a parent’s ability to look after them. The court will make orders to try to protect children from domestic violence, which includes verbal threats that cause a person to be scared or apprehensive about their own well-being or safety.

If a parent has married again or is living in a defacto relationship, the court will take that into consideration to the extent that it is relevant to the children’s welfare. Again, the task of the court is to decide what will be in the best interests of the children.

The court will not refuse a parent residence or contact simply because the parent has an “alternative” lifestyle. That would only be a factor taken into account into to the extent that it impacts on the best interests of the children.
 
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