FLOROS & FLOROS

The Family Court of Australia considered parenting arrangements for a 13-year-old child in the matter of *Floros & Floros*. The proceedings involved the father, Mr Floros, and the mother, Ms Floros, who sought orders regarding parental responsibility, the child's residence, and a proposed relocation of the child to B City in Country C. The father opposed the relocation, while the mother sought permission for it.

The court was required to determine several key issues. These included whether to uphold the parties' agreement for equal shared parental responsibility, and if so, whether the mother should have the final say on major long-term issues. Crucially, the court had to assess the best interests of the child in relation to the mother's application to relocate with the child to Country C, considering the child's strong desire to move, his age, his existing relationship with both parents, and his medical condition. The court also had to consider the father's concerns about the impact of the relocation on his relationship with the child and the child's transition to a new education system.

In its reasoning, the court noted the parties' agreement on equal shared parental responsibility, with the mother to have the final say in cases of disagreement. Regarding the relocation, the court found that the child, being 13 years old, expressed a strong desire to move to Country C, where both parents had family. The court considered the child's limited attachment to his father and the father's minimal involvement in the child's health and education management. It was satisfied that the child's medical condition could be appropriately managed in Country C and that the relocation would not diminish the quality of the father-child relationship, as the mother did not oppose the child spending time with the father in either Australia or Country C. The court also addressed the father's concerns about the child's transition to the Country C education system, concluding that the child's language proficiency would improve over time.

The court made orders discharging previous parenting orders and establishing equal shared parental responsibility, with the mother to have the final say on major long-term issues. The child was ordered to live with the mother and be permitted to relocate with her to B City, Country C, on or after 18 December 2021. Specific arrangements were detailed for the child to spend time with the father, both before and after the relocation, including provisions for travel between Australia and Country C, and communication methods. The orders also stipulated requirements for travel notifications and the retention of the child's passport.