Crelin and Font

Bell J made orders concerning the living arrangements and parental responsibilities for a child born in August 2005. The dispute involved the father's time with the child, communication between parents and child, and the practicalities of changeovers.

The court was required to determine the specific arrangements for the child's residence, the extent of equal shared parental responsibility for long-term decisions, and the detailed schedule for the father's time with the child, including communication and special days. Further issues included the method and location of changeovers between parents, the use of a contact centre, and provisions for information sharing regarding the child's health and education. The court also addressed prohibitions concerning certain individuals and the disclosure of addresses.

Bell J ordered that the child live with the mother and that the parents have equal shared parental responsibility for long-term decisions. The father's time with the child was detailed, with specific arrangements for fortnightly weekends, mid-week time, school holidays, and special days, including telephone communication. The orders established a priority for changeover locations, commencing with the child's school, then a contact centre, and finally a police station, with strict protocols for each. The use of a contact centre for supervised changeovers was mandated, with detailed provisions for assessment, compliance, and payment of fees. The court also made orders for information sharing through a communication book and direct notification for serious matters, and prohibited the disclosure of the mother's address to specific individuals. The Independent Children's Lawyer was to be discharged upon completion of initial contact centre arrangements.