Finch and Finch and Ors

In the matter of *Finch and Finch and Ors*, Forrest J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia was required to determine parenting orders concerning a child, C. The proceedings involved the mother, the father, and the paternal grandparents. The dispute centred on the arrangements for C's living situation, time spent with each party, and parental responsibility for long-term decisions.

The court was tasked with determining the extent of parental responsibility to be allocated to each party, specifically regarding major long-term issues concerning the child. Furthermore, the court needed to establish the specific living arrangements for C and the nature and frequency of time C would spend with the paternal grandparents and the father. The court also had to consider provisions for communication between the child and the parties, as well as orders regarding the conduct of the parties towards each other and the child.

Forrest J ordered that all existing parenting orders be discharged. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for all major long-term issues, with specific procedural requirements for her to consult with the paternal grandparents and the father before making any ultimate decisions. C was ordered to live with the mother. The child was to spend time with the paternal grandparents during one weekend per school term and for three separate one-week periods during school holidays each year. The father was to spend time with C during periods C was with the paternal grandparents, but only in the company of the paternal grandparents. The orders also detailed specific communication protocols between the child and the parties, prohibitions against denigration and abuse, and requirements for information sharing regarding the child's welfare and education.