Derham and Spiller

This matter concerned an application by the mother, Derham, and the father, Spiller, regarding parenting orders for their child, X. The dispute centred on issues of parental responsibility, the child's surname, living arrangements, and the nature and extent of time the child would spend with each parent. The case was heard by Judge Burchardt.

The court was required to determine who should have sole parental responsibility for X, whether the child should continue to be known by a specific name and surname, where X should live, and the specific arrangements for X to spend time with both parents. Additionally, the court needed to consider the father's contact with X through electronic means and the discharge of an existing Watch List order.

Judge Burchardt ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for X, but stipulated that she must notify and discuss all major decisions concerning X's education, health, and religious upbringing with the father. The child was to continue to be known by the name X, with the surname Spiller alone. X was to live with the mother, but spend time with the father according to a detailed schedule that increased over time, including provisions for time in Melbourne and internationally if the father met certain travel and accommodation costs. The father was also to have regular contact with X via Skype. The court also discharged the extant Watch List order.