Cotterhill and Cotterhill

In the matter of *Cotterhill and Cotterhill*, Bell J made orders concerning a child born in May 2003. The dispute involved the living arrangements and parental responsibility for the child, as well as significant restrictions placed upon the father.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the child, the allocation of parental responsibility for long-term decisions, and the extent of the father's contact with the child. Additionally, the court considered measures to prevent the child's removal from Australia and to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the mother.

Bell J ordered that the child live with the mother and that the mother have sole parental responsibility for long-term decisions. Crucially, the father was prohibited from spending time or communicating with the child, or attempting to do so. The father was also restrained from taking or sending the child out of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the Australian Federal Police and state police forces authorised to give effect to these orders. Further orders included restraining the father from applying for a passport for the child and from contacting the mother or child, or entering their places of residence or frequented locations. The father was granted leave to approach the Registrar for the return of his passport.