Hanslow and Hanslow

In the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Judge Kirton made orders concerning the parental responsibility and welfare of a child, [X], born in 2008. The proceedings involved the Applicant and the Respondent, who are the parents of [X]. The dispute centred on decisions regarding [X]'s upbringing, including their education, health, and long-term welfare.

The court was required to determine the extent of each parent's responsibility for making decisions about [X]'s major long-term issues. Specifically, the court needed to establish a framework for how decisions would be made, particularly when the parents could not agree. The court also considered the need for a psychiatric assessment of the Respondent and the immediate transition of [X] to a new school.

Judge Kirton ordered that the Applicant have sole parental responsibility for [X] in relation to all major long-term issues, including health and education. However, before making any significant decisions in these areas, the Applicant must provide the Respondent with at least 14 days' written notice and genuinely consult with the Respondent, making a genuine effort to consider their views and reach agreement. If agreement could not be reached, the Applicant would make the final decision and provide written confirmation to the Respondent. The court also ordered the Respondent to attend a psychiatric assessment and requested legal aid for this purpose. Furthermore, the court ordered the immediate commencement of [X]'s transition to a new school, with enrollment to occur by the start of the 2019 school year, and for [X] to attend that school or another nominated by the Applicant thereafter. The matter was adjourned for a final hearing.