GARFIELD & CASSANO

In the matter of *Garfield & Cassano*, heard by Judge Mercuri, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child born in 2011, specifically addressing international relocation and parental responsibility for medical and educational decisions. The mother sought to relocate the child to another country, which was a central point of contention between the parties.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the child in relation to the proposed international relocation, the allocation of parental responsibility for significant decisions, and the specific arrangements for the child's time with each parent both before and after any relocation. This included considerations regarding the child's schooling and the practicalities of maintaining a relationship with the non-resident parent.

Judge Mercuri discharged previous parenting orders and made new orders that granted the mother sole parental responsibility for medical and education decisions, while the parties otherwise retained equal shared parental responsibility. Crucially, the mother was permitted to relocate the child's residence to the specified country from 22 November 2018. The orders detailed extensive arrangements for the child's time with the father, both before and after the relocation, including provisions for travel, communication, and the sharing of associated costs. The court also issued injunctions restraining the parties from denigrating each other in the child's presence and from discussing proceedings with the child.