Felton and Penman

In the matter of *Felton and Penman*, heard by Judge Altobelli, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for a child, X, born in 2011. The proceedings involved the child's mother and father, with the court ultimately making orders regarding parental responsibility, the child's living arrangements, and the father's contact with the child.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting orders for the child, considering the welfare and best interests of X. This included deciding on sole or joint parental responsibility, where the child would live, the nature and extent of the father's time with the child, and the level of supervision required for any contact. Furthermore, the court had to consider orders for the personal protection of the mother and the child, including restrictions on the father's behaviour and proximity to the mother and child.

Judge Altobelli ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the child, and that the child live with the mother. The father was granted limited, supervised time with the child on specific dates throughout the year, with the father to bear the cost of supervision. The court also imposed significant restrictions on communication between the father and the child, permitting only the provision of birthday and Christmas cards and presents through a nominated postal address. Crucially, the court made extensive orders for the personal protection of the mother, restraining the father from assaulting, harassing, or intimidating her, and prohibiting him from approaching within 100 metres of her home, workplace, or the child's school. The father was also prohibited from publishing any photographs or derogatory comments about the mother on social media. These protection orders were made pursuant to section 68B of the *Family Law Act 1975* and carried a power of arrest without warrant under section 68C of the Act. The mother was granted liberty to apply for the child's passport without the father's signature or consent. The court also noted the mother's obligation to attempt to facilitate contact between the child and her half-siblings.