Bean and Blanchard

In the matter of Bean and Blanchard, heard before Judge Burchardt, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child born in 2010. The father sought sole parental responsibility and orders for the child to live with him, with limited time and communication arrangements with the mother.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the child in light of the circumstances presented by the parties. This involved assessing the appropriate level of parental responsibility for each parent, the living arrangements for the child, and the nature and extent of the child's time and communication with the non-resident parent. The court also considered the role of an Independent Children's Lawyer and the implications of contravening the final orders.

Judge Burchardt ordered the discharge of all previous parenting orders. The father was granted sole parental responsibility, and the child was to live with him. The child was to spend time with the mother only as agreed in writing by the parents, with the father at liberty to impose conditions to ensure the child's safety. Communication between the child and mother was to occur via agreed electronic means at least monthly, and on specific significant dates, with the father having the right to monitor and terminate such communication if deemed inappropriate. The father could also withhold cards and gifts containing inappropriate content. The court also noted that particulars of obligations and consequences of contravention were set out in an attachment to the orders, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the *Family Law Act 1975*. The appointment of the Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.