DAUBNEY & MALYARD

In the matter of *Daubney & Malyard*, heard by Judge Altobelli, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child with special needs, arising from a high-conflict parental relationship. The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting arrangements, including the allocation of parental responsibility, the extent of the child's time with each parent, and measures to ensure the child's welfare and the parents' communication and conduct.

The court's reasoning focused on the paramountcy of the child's best interests, particularly in light of the child's special needs and the high level of parental conflict. The orders reflect a careful balancing of the parents' roles and responsibilities, aiming to provide stability for the child while facilitating necessary parental involvement. Key principles applied included the need for clear communication protocols, restrictions on parental behaviour that could negatively impact the child, and specific provisions for the child's medical and developmental needs.

The court ordered that the Mother have sole parental responsibility for the child, with specific consultation requirements for the Father on long-term decisions. The child was ordered to live with the Mother, and detailed time spent with the Father was prescribed, with provisions for future adjustments. The orders also included injunctions restraining parental denigration, substance abuse, and exposure of the child to conflict, along with requirements for parental counselling and drug screening for the Mother.