Grover and Rathdowne

In the matter of *Grover and Rathdowne*, heard before Cronin J, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child born in July 2004. The mother sought orders in the absence of the father, on an undefended basis.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the mother leave to proceed with her application in the father's absence and on an undefended basis, and consequently, what parenting orders should be made concerning the child.

Cronin J reasoned that it was appropriate to grant the mother leave to proceed. The court then discharged all existing parenting orders and made new orders. These orders stipulated that the mother would have sole parental responsibility for decision-making concerning the child, and that the child would live with the mother. Any time the father spent with the child, and any communication between them, was to be arranged with the mother. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged, and all other outstanding applications between the parties were dismissed. The court also directed that a Fact Sheet detailing the obligations, consequences of contravention, and available assistance be attached to the orders, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the relevant legislation.