Clough and Light

In the matter of *Clough and Light*, heard before Judge Henderson, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child born in 2013. The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the child and to make orders concerning the conduct of both parents while the child was in their care.

The court's reasoning focused on establishing a parenting regime that prioritised the child's welfare. This involved setting out specific times for the child to live with each parent, commencing in November 2016. Crucially, the court imposed significant restrictions on the father, including a prohibition on operating vehicles or machinery while the child was with him, and a requirement to follow medical treatment plans and inform the mother of any health issues, including seizures. Both parents were also restrained from using illicit drugs or consuming alcohol when the child was in their care, and from speaking negatively about the other parent or discussing proceedings in the child's presence.

The court ordered the discharge of all prior parenting orders. The child was to live with the mother when not with the father, with specific alternate week arrangements for the father. Further orders included the aforementioned restrictions on the father's activities and substance use for both parents, and prohibitions on negative commentary about each other or the proceedings in the child's hearing. Leave was granted to re-list the matter if necessary, and the proceedings were adjourned to May 2017 to determine reporting requirements and trial interim arrangements.