Appleby and Appleby

Bell J made orders concerning the parenting of a child, B, born in 2006, in a dispute between the child's parents, Appleby and Appleby. The orders discharged all previous parenting arrangements and established new living arrangements and parental responsibilities.

The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the child, the allocation of parental responsibility for long-term decisions regarding the child's welfare, and the specific time the child would spend with each parent. Additionally, the court needed to establish protocols for communication between the parents, the process for dispute resolution, and the consequences of contravening the orders.

Bell J ordered that the child, B, live with the Father and that the Father have sole parental responsibility for decisions concerning the child's long-term care, welfare, and development, including health (excluding minor illnesses), education, and religion. The Father is required to consult with the Mother on these matters within seven days before making a decision and to inform her of his final decision. The orders also detail specific time arrangements for the child with each parent during school terms, school holidays, and special occasions, including Christmas and birthdays. Furthermore, the court mandated communication protocols, including the exchange of contact details, the use of email for non-urgent matters and text messages for urgent matters, and the sharing of information regarding the child's health and education. A dispute resolution process was established, appointing Lifeline Australia as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, with equal cost sharing. The court also outlined the consequences of contravening the orders and discharged the Independent Children's Lawyer.