HADDIX & MARRETT

This matter concerned parenting orders for a child, [X], born in 2000, between Mr Haddix and Mr Marrett. The dispute revolved around the future living arrangements and shared parental responsibility for [X]. The decision was made by Judge Harman.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders for [X], specifically addressing issues of equal shared parental responsibility, the child's primary residence, time spent with each parent, and the allocation of costs associated with expert reports and legal representation. The court also considered the expressed wishes of [X] in light of her age and the evidence presented by a family consultant.

Judge Harman discharged all prior parenting orders and made new orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility between Mr Haddix and Mr Marrett. These orders stipulated that Messrs Haddix and Marrett must consult on major decisions concerning [X]'s schooling, medical treatment, and name changes, with Mr Marrett having the final say if agreement could not be reached. The orders detailed specific arrangements for [X]'s living arrangements and time spent with each parent, including provisions for travel between New South Wales and Queensland. The court also ordered Mr Haddix to pay a portion of the costs for a family consultant's report and attendance for cross-examination, and Mr Marrett to reimburse Mr Haddix for half of the cost of obtaining the consultant's report, with a mechanism for offsetting travel costs against this liability. The court noted that [X]'s expressed wishes alone, prior to her 16th birthday, would likely not be considered a significant change in circumstances to warrant varying these orders.