Bligh & James

This case concerned Ms Bligh (the applicant mother) and Mr James (the respondent father) regarding parenting orders for their child, Z. The dispute involved a proposed relocation of Z to New Zealand, significant conflict between the parents, and concerns raised by the mother regarding the father's mental health, including statements about suicide. The matter came before Watts J in the Family Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine the best interests of Z, considering the factors outlined in section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). Specifically, the court had to assess the differing proposals of each parent for Z's future, the high level of conflict between them, the father's expressed distress and suicidal ideation, and Z's own expressed wishes to return to New Zealand due to his family residing there. The court also had to consider the evidence of a single expert, Dr L, regarding the parents' capacities and Z's welfare.

Watts J made orders discharging all previous parenting orders. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for Z, with specific provisions requiring her to consult with the father on significant decisions concerning Z's education, health, and long-term welfare, and to provide him with written notice of proposed decisions. Communication between the parents was to be conducted via a designated parenting application. The court made detailed orders regarding Z's living arrangements with the mother in Australia and prescribed a schedule for Z to spend time with the father, including provisions for travel to and from New Zealand. The father was restrained from keeping guns and was required to provide authorities to his treating psychologists and therapists to inform the mother of any deterioration in his mental health or suicidal ideation. The court also made orders regarding the costs of the single expert and the Independent Children's Lawyer.