FERRANTE & GUILIANI

In the matter of *Ferrante & Guiliani*, Thornton J of the Family Court of Australia considered a contested application by the mother for permission to relocate internationally with the child to New Zealand. The mother sought to relocate to live with her new partner and his family. The father opposed the relocation, arguing that it would fundamentally alter his relationship with the child. The court also dealt with an application by the father for leave to adduce further evidence, which was refused.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether to permit the mother to relocate with the child to New Zealand, and if so, what arrangements for the child's time with the father and communication between the parents and child would be appropriate. This involved considering the practicality of proposed spend time arrangements in the context of international relocation and the meaning of "substantial and significant time" in relation to the father's relationship with the child.

Thornton J permitted the relocation, finding that the proposed arrangements would allow the child to spend substantial and significant time with the father and maintain their relationship. The court's reasoning, while not detailed in the provided text, led to comprehensive orders addressing equal shared parental responsibility, the child living with the mother, and detailed provisions for the child's time with the father, including travel arrangements, communication protocols, and holiday schedules. The orders also included provisions for overseas travel by either parent with the child, passport maintenance, and the exchange of information regarding the child's education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.