Gaulit and Bunker

In the matter of Gaulit and Bunker, Young J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the interim parenting arrangements for a child born in March 2000. The dispute involved the husband and wife, who were seeking to establish arrangements for their child.

The court was required to determine the interim equal shared parental responsibility for the child, the primary residence of the child, and the specific times the husband would spend with the child. Additionally, the court addressed the need for separate representation for the child, the provision of documents to an Independent Children’s Lawyer, and the communication and health information exchange between the parents. The court also made orders restraining the parties from harassing each other and from discussing court proceedings with the child.

Young J ordered that the child live with the wife and that both parents have ongoing interim equal shared parental responsibility. The court mandated that both parents enrol in a parenting course. Specific, detailed time arrangements were set out for the husband to spend with the child, including provisions for school holidays and Jewish holidays, with specific instructions regarding pick-up and drop-off. The court also ordered that the child be separately represented by an Independent Children’s Lawyer and that the parties provide all relevant documents to this lawyer. Further orders included mutual restraints against harassment and discussing court proceedings with the child, and a requirement for each party to keep the other informed of changes in contact details and health matters concerning the child. The extant child and parenting applications were adjourned to the Trial Notice List.