Bale & Bale

The Federal Circuit Court of Australia, presided over by Judge McGuire, considered a dispute between the parents, Mr and Ms Bale, concerning their child, X. The primary issues before the court revolved around the arrangements for the child's residence, parental responsibility, and the mother's proposed relocation with the child to Brisbane, Queensland.

The court was required to determine the extent of shared parental responsibility, where the child would primarily live, and whether to permit the mother to relocate the child to Queensland. Furthermore, the court had to establish a detailed schedule for the child's time with the father, including specific periods, locations, travel arrangements, and communication methods, taking into account the child's schooling.

In its determination, the court ordered equal shared parental responsibility for the child. The child was to live with the mother, and the mother was permitted to relocate the child's primary place of residence to Brisbane. The court then set out a comprehensive schedule for the child to spend time with the father, involving periods in Victoria and Queensland, with specific provisions for travel costs, notice periods, and communication. These orders also authorised both parents to attend on the child's school teachers and doctors and to receive all information normally afforded to parents.