Connelly and Novak

This case involved a dispute between Ms Connelly (the mother) and Mr Novak (the father) concerning parental responsibility and time spent with their child, X. The matter was heard by Judge Young.

The court was required to determine the terms of parental responsibility, the living arrangements for the child, and the specific schedule for the child to spend time with each parent. Additionally, the court needed to address communication protocols between the parents, arrangements for the child's passport and travel, and the provision of information regarding the child's education and health. The court also had to consider and make orders regarding the father's conduct, including specific prohibitions and requirements for counselling and parenting courses.

The court ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the child, with the child to live with her. A detailed schedule was established for the child's time with the father, which varied based on the child's age and the father's work arrangements, with changeovers to occur at CatholicCare NT. The father was also ordered to complete a parenting course and anger management counselling, with specific reporting requirements to the independent children's lawyer. The father was subject to several injunctions, including prohibitions on contacting the mother directly or indirectly except as permitted by the orders, criticising the mother, and engaging in certain behaviours while the child was in his care. Both parents were restrained from denigrating each other or exposing the child to details of their separation or legal proceedings. The mother was authorised to obtain a passport for the child and was to hold it. Provisions were made for communication between parents and the child, including the eventual provision of a mobile phone for the child.