Charles and Hughes (No 2)

In *Charles and Hughes (No 2)*, Stevenson J of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning the child C. The dispute revolved around the arrangements for C's upbringing and the extent of each parent's involvement and access to information regarding C's welfare.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate orders for C's parental responsibility, living arrangements, and the extent of each parent's right to be informed about and participate in C's education, extracurricular activities, and healthcare. The court also needed to address the costs associated with the Independent Children's Lawyer and a single expert.

Stevenson J discharged all existing parenting orders and made new orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility for C. C was ordered to live with the mother, but the father was granted liberty to attend C's sporting, school, and cultural events. The mother was directed to inform the father of any injury or illness requiring medical treatment, and both parents were authorised to obtain information from C's health care professionals and school staff, and to attend school events. The parties were also directed to file submissions regarding the costs of the Independent Children's Lawyer and the single expert.