Bolton & Athol and Ors

The case of *Bolton & Athol* involved a dispute concerning the parental responsibility for a child, J, born in July 2003. The parties before the court were the child's father, Mr Bolton, the child's mother, Ms Athol, the child's paternal grandfather, Mr Bolton (Snr), and the child's paternal grandmother, Ms Bolton. The Chief Justice Bryant presided over the proceedings.

The central legal issues before the court were to determine the arrangements for parental responsibility, the child's residence, and the extent to which the father, grandfather, and grandmother should be involved in decision-making regarding J's upbringing. The court was also required to consider the child's time with his father and grandparents, and associated costs, as well as the particulars of the obligations and consequences arising from any contravention of the court's orders.

The court ordered that parental responsibility for J be shared among the father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother. It was further ordered that J live with the mother, who was also directed to consult with the father, grandfather, and grandmother on major long-term issues, making a genuine effort to reach agreed decisions. The mother was made responsible for collecting J on Friday, 23 January 2009, with the matter adjourned for submissions on draft orders regarding the child's time with his grandparents and father, and costs. The court also stipulated that particulars of obligations, consequences of contravention, and assistance for compliance were to be set out in an annexed document, pursuant to sections 62B and 65DA(2) of the relevant legislation.