Colton and Woods

This matter concerned orders made by Judge Coker regarding the parental responsibility and time spent with a child, [X], born in 2008. The dispute involved the Father and the Mother, who sought to establish arrangements for their child following their separation.

The court was required to determine the extent of equal shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues, the specific consultation requirements between the parents regarding these decisions, and the arrangements for the child's daily care, welfare, and development. Further issues included the practicalities of communication, information sharing regarding the child's health and education, and the specific times the child would spend with each parent, including during school holidays and special occasions. The court also needed to address the location of changeovers and telephone communication protocols.

Judge Coker made orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues, requiring the Father and Mother to consult and make genuine efforts to reach joint decisions. The orders stipulated that the Mother would be responsible for the child's daily care when living with her, and the Father when living with him. Specific provisions were made for information sharing regarding the child's health and education, and for respectful communication between the parents. The child was ordered to live with the Father in Mackay, with detailed arrangements for the Mother to spend time with the child during school holidays, special occasions, and through telephone communication. The orders also specified changeover procedures and, in the event the Mother resided in Mackay, alternative fortnightly living arrangements for the child.