Barker and Garrick

This matter concerned an application by the father for sole parental responsibility for the child, X, and for the child to live with him. The mother sought orders for shared parental responsibility and for the child to live with her. The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for the child, including the allocation of parental responsibility, the child's residence, and the time the child would spend with each parent.

The court's primary consideration was the best interests of the child. In making its determination, the court applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), which mandates that the best interests of the child are paramount. The court considered various factors relevant to the child's best interests, including the child's right to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, the need to protect the child from harm, and the capacity of each parent to provide for the child's needs. The court also took into account the child's age and developmental stage, and the importance of stability and continuity in the child's life.

The court ordered that the father have sole parental responsibility for the child, with specific provisions requiring him to inform the mother in writing of any significant decisions regarding major long-term issues, invite her response, consider it, and advise her of his final decision. The child was ordered to live with the father, and detailed provisions were made for the child to spend time with the mother, including specific arrangements for weekends, school holidays, and special occasions. The orders also included provisions for the exchange of medical and school information, the establishment of agreed routines and boundaries, and prohibitions against denigrating the other parent or discussing the proceedings with the child. Both parents were also directed to attend a parenting program.