Gardiner and Gardiner

This matter concerned an application before Judge Phipps regarding parenting orders for a child, X, born in 2013. The dispute involved the allocation of parental responsibility and the arrangements for the child's time with each parent.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting arrangements for child X, considering the parents' respective roles and responsibilities. Key issues included the extent of parental responsibility to be afforded to each parent, the specific time the child would spend with the father, and the conditions that might need to be met before certain arrangements could commence. The court also had to consider specific safety and communication protocols between the parents.

Judge Phipps ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for child X. The father was to be kept informed of major long-term decisions concerning the child. Specific time arrangements were set for the child to spend with the father, with conditions attached, including the father completing a Men’s Behavioural Change Course before certain time arrangements could commence. Injunctions were placed on the father regarding swimming with the child and contact with a specific individual, and he was also ordered to comply with the child's dietary requirements. The court also mandated the use of a communication book and outlined provisions for the father's involvement in the child's education. Further, the parties were directed to attend a Family Relationship Centre to discuss overnight time arrangements for the child with the father once the child turned three.