Bramford and Ainslee

This matter concerned parenting orders for a child, H, born in 2007, between the mother and the father. The court was required to determine the arrangements for the child's residence, the allocation of parental responsibility for decision-making, and the nature and extent of contact between the child and each parent. Additionally, the court had to consider specific orders relating to the child's schooling, medical care, and the mother's contact with her stepfather, as well as the father's financial obligations concerning the child's medical and therapeutic needs.

Forrest J determined that the mother should have sole parental responsibility for all major long-term issues and daily decisions concerning the child's care, welfare, and development. The child was ordered to live with the mother and have no time with the father, with communication limited to the father sending letters, cards, or gifts to the child via a provided postal address. The court also issued an injunction restraining the mother from bringing the child into contact with her stepfather, Mr G. Further orders mandated the child's continued attendance at her current school and residence within its catchment area, and the continuation of care from specific medical practitioners and psychologists. The father was ordered to provide private medical insurance for the child, including counselling costs, and to pay for ongoing therapy with Dr J, while being entitled to claim rebates. The court also directed the Independent Children's Lawyer to provide certain documents to the Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.