A and W

In the matter of A and W, Justice Le Poer Trench of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning a child named F. The dispute involved the residence of the child and the extent of the father's involvement in the child's life, particularly in light of the child's wishes.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the child, the allocation of parental responsibility for decision-making regarding the child's care and welfare, and the nature and extent of the child's contact with the father. Additionally, the court had to consider provisions for communication between the child and the father, the father's access to school-related information, and the circumstances under which the child could be removed from Australia. The court also addressed the need for therapeutic intervention for the child and parental participation in such therapy.

Justice Le Poer Trench ordered the discharge of all prior parenting orders relating to the child's residence and time with each parent. The child was to live with the mother, who was granted sole parental responsibility for all decision-making concerning the child's day-to-day care, long-term care, welfare, and development. The father's contact with the child was to be limited to telephone and email communication, in accordance with the child's wishes, unless the child expressed a contrary desire. The mother was directed to facilitate communication regarding any accident, serious health issues, or the child's wish to spend time with the father. The father was restrained from attending the child's school, home, or extracurricular activities without the mother's written consent, though the mother was to ensure the school provided the father with relevant documents. Both parents were prohibited from removing the child from Australia without prior court order or the other parent's written consent. The mother was to endeavour to facilitate contact if sought by the child, and both parents were to participate in therapy if requested by the child's therapist and agreed to by the child. The mother was also to arrange counselling for the child. The orders incorporated particulars of obligations, consequences of contravention, and assistance resources as set out in an attached Fact Sheet, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the *Family Law Act*.