Hardie and Katona

In a family law matter before Judge Betts, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for a child, [X], born in 2013. The proceedings involved the Father and the Mother, with the Independent Children’s Lawyer having previously been involved.

The court was required to determine the specific orders regarding parental responsibility, the child's residence, and the time the child would spend with each parent. Additionally, the court needed to address communication arrangements between the child and each parent, the exchange of information regarding the child's welfare, and specific restrictions on the Mother's contact with a Mr M. The court also considered provisions for special occasions, travel, and the attendance of both parents at school and extracurricular activities.

Judge Betts made comprehensive orders discharging all previous parenting orders. The Father was granted sole parental responsibility for major decisions concerning [X]'s education, medical care, and relocation within a 50km radius, with a requirement to notify the Mother of such decisions. [X] was ordered to live with the Father, and detailed provisions were made for the child's time with the Mother, including alternate weekends, extended time during school holidays, and specific arrangements for Christmas and other special occasions. The orders also stipulated communication protocols, information sharing requirements, and injunctions against physical discipline. A significant order restrained the Mother from allowing [X] contact with Mr M unless specific psychiatric reports were provided. Both parents were required to complete a Parenting after Separation course. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was discharged, and all extant applications were dismissed.