Cheetham and Cheetham and Anor

This matter concerned an application before Judge Baker regarding the parental responsibility and time arrangements for two children, X and Y. The parties involved were the father, Mr Cheetham, and the mother, Ms Toner, with the paternal grandmother also playing a significant role in the proceedings and the resulting orders. The dispute centred on how the children would be cared for and the extent of the paternal grandmother's involvement in their lives.

The court was required to determine the nature of parental responsibility between the father and mother, and to establish specific orders regarding the children's living arrangements and time spent with both parents and the paternal grandmother. Key issues included the notification obligations of the parents to the paternal grandmother concerning the children's education and health, and the practical arrangements for the children's time with the paternal grandmother, including school holidays and significant dates. The court also considered arrangements for a third party, Z, in relation to changeovers and time spent with the paternal grandmother.

Judge Baker made orders by consent, establishing equal shared parental responsibility for the children between Mr Cheetham and Ms Toner. The orders detailed extensive notification requirements for the parents to the paternal grandmother regarding significant developments in the children's lives, including health and education. Specific time arrangements were set out for the children to spend with the paternal grandmother, commencing from early 2018, covering alternate weekends, school holidays, and specific public holidays. The court also noted by consent the parties' intentions regarding Z's presence at changeovers and her time with the paternal grandmother, with further discussions to occur at mediation. The orders also included a note regarding the consequences of contravention pursuant to the Family Law Act 1975.