Gowrie and Springer

In Gowrie and Springer, heard by Judge Middleton, the proceedings concerned parenting orders for a child born in 2009. The dispute centred on the living arrangements for the child and the allocation of parental responsibility and time between the mother and father.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the child, whether the parents should have equal shared parental responsibility, and the specific arrangements for the child's time with each parent, including provisions for relocation and school enrolment. Further issues included the facilitation of time changeovers and the suspension of the father's time on Mother's Day weekend. The court also considered the attendance of the parties and the child at a child inclusive conference and the potential consequences of non-compliance with such orders.

The court ordered that the child live with the mother and that the parents have equal shared parental responsibility. Crucially, the mother and child were ordered to relocate back to the Town A area by 1 May 2018, with directions for re-enrolment in a specific school. Detailed provisions were made for the child's time with the father, including alternate weekends, mid-week time, school holidays, birthdays, and Father's Day, with specific arrangements for changeovers. The father's time was suspended on Mother's Day weekend. The parties and the child were ordered to attend a child inclusive conference, with the court outlining the implications of non-compliance and its power to make further orders. The respondent was granted leave to file an amended affidavit and notice of risk, and the matter was adjourned for a directions hearing.