HAKEN & THERKELSEN

In the matter of *Haken & Therkelsen*, Mead J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered a dispute concerning the parenting arrangements for a child, Z. The proceedings involved the mother and the father of Z, with the court ultimately making significant orders regarding Z's residence, the allocation of parental responsibility, and the extent of the father's contact and access to information about Z.

The central legal issues before the court were the determination of Z's primary residence, the allocation of parental responsibility, and the nature and extent of any time Z would spend with the father, as well as the father's right to access information concerning Z's welfare. The court was also required to consider the continued need for an Independent Children's Lawyer and the disposition of outstanding applications.

Mead J's reasoning led to orders granting the mother sole parental responsibility for Z and stipulating that Z live with the mother. Crucially, the court ordered that Z spend no time with and have no communication with the father. Furthermore, the father was prohibited from obtaining information from Z's medical practitioners, allied health professionals, or educational facilities. The court also discharged the order for the appointment of the Independent Children's Lawyer and dismissed all extant applications.