CHAFER & QUIGLEY

This matter concerned final parenting orders made by consent between the mother and father regarding their child, X, born in 2015. The dispute revolved around the arrangements for the child's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, parental responsibility, and international travel.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of the final parenting orders, including the division of time between the parents during school terms and holidays, arrangements for birthdays and Christmas, and provisions for communication and the exchange of information. Crucially, the court also had to address the issue of parental responsibility and the conditions under which international travel with the child would be permitted.

The orders were made by consent, reflecting an agreement between the parties. The court ordered that the child live with the mother and detailed specific, evolving arrangements for the child to spend time with the father. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility. The orders also included provisions for communication between the parents, the exchange of information regarding the child's health, and restrictions on denigrating the other parent or physically disciplining the child. Regarding international travel, each parent was permitted to travel with the child for up to four weeks per year, subject to strict notice requirements, provision of itineraries and travel details, and the travel generally occurring during the travelling parent's allocated time with the child. The court also requested the removal of the child from the Airport Watch List.