Constance and Constance

The matter of *Constance and Constance* concerned parenting orders made by consent in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. The dispute involved the father and mother of a child born in October 1999, regarding arrangements for the child's care, time spent with each parent, and decision-making responsibilities.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of parenting orders, including the father's time with the child, parental responsibility for day-to-day care and long-term decisions, and provisions for communication and medical treatment. Key issues also included the mother's undertaking regarding alcohol consumption and the appointment of specialists to report on the parties and the child.

The orders, made by consent, established a framework for shared parental responsibility, with the child living with the father for specified periods and otherwise with the mother. The orders detailed specific arrangements for changeovers, travel, and communication between the parents and the child. Crucially, the orders imposed conditions on the mother relating to her alcohol consumption, including random testing and monitoring, and mandated the appointment of a paediatrician and a dentist to manage the child's medical needs. The court also ordered a psychiatric report on both parties and their partners, to be prepared by an agreed practitioner.

The final orders, made by consent, provided for the child to live with the father for certain periods, including weekends and half of each school holiday, while otherwise living with the mother. The orders also stipulated equal shared parental responsibility for long-term decisions, detailed communication protocols, and mandated specific medical and therapeutic interventions for the child and the parents. The court also made orders regarding the appointment of experts and the consequences of contravening the parenting orders.