Chadwick and Garfield

This matter concerned the parenting arrangements for X, a child born in 2004, between his parents, Chadwick and Garfield. The proceedings were before Judge McNab.

The court was required to determine the orders concerning X's long-term and day-to-day care, including living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and decision-making responsibilities. Specific issues included the division of school holidays, arrangements for birthdays and special days, communication protocols between parents, and the financial responsibilities for X's education and health. The court also considered orders relating to overseas travel, the father's participation in a Men's Behavioural Change Program, and both parents' attendance at a post-separation parenting program.

Judge McNab made orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility for long-term decisions regarding X's welfare, education, health, and upbringing. Day-to-day decisions were allocated to the parent with whom X was living at the time. The orders stipulated that X would live with the mother and detailed specific arrangements for X to spend time with and communicate with the father, including alternate weekends, half of school holidays, and specific provisions for public holidays and birthdays. Further orders addressed communication, information sharing from schools and medical practitioners, overseas travel conditions, school fees, and arrangements for X's psychological treatment. The father was also ordered to complete an approved Men's Behavioural Change Program, and both parents were required to attend a post-separation parenting program.