Domizia and Cappella

In the matter of *Domizia and Cappella*, heard before Bennett J, the dispute concerned the parenting arrangements for a child, Domizia, born in February 2003. The orders indicate a significant shift in parental responsibility and the child's identity, with the mother seeking sole parental responsibility and a change of the child's surname.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders regarding parental responsibility, the child's residence, the father's contact with the child, and a change of the child's name. The proceedings also involved the discharge of previous orders, including the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer, and the dismissal of outstanding applications.

By consent of the mother and the Independent Children's Lawyer, and not opposed by the father, the court ordered the discharge of all previous orders. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for Domizia's care, welfare, and development, and the child was ordered to live with the mother. Crucially, the father was restrained from spending time or communicating with the child. Furthermore, the court ordered that the child be known as Cappella and requested the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to give effect to this change of name. The court also directed that the reasons for judgment be transcribed and made available to the parties, and that a fact sheet detailing the particulars and consequences of the orders be attached and included within the orders themselves, pursuant to Sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the relevant legislation.