Harris and Sloane

This matter concerned orders made by consent between the husband and wife regarding their child, born in July 1999. The dispute centred on arrangements for the child's living arrangements, parental responsibility, and time spent with each parent. The orders were made by Cronin J.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of the parenting orders, including where the child would live, the nature of parental responsibility, and the detailed schedule for the husband's time with the child. This encompassed provisions for regular weekend contact, school holidays, birthdays, and public holidays, as well as communication arrangements between the parents and the child. The court also addressed the attendance and compliance with recommendations from a Professor T regarding the child's health, and the sharing of associated costs.

The orders were made by consent of the parties, indicating agreement on the terms presented. The court applied principles relating to the best interests of the child, as is standard in family law proceedings. Specific provisions were made for the child's living arrangements, with the child to live with the wife. Both parents were to have equal shared parental responsibility for long-term decisions, and sole responsibility for day-to-day matters while the child was in their respective care. The detailed schedule for the husband's time with the child, including specific dates and durations, was set out. The orders also included provisions for communication, notification of appointments and significant issues, and a restraint on denigrating the other parent in the child's presence. The parties were also ordered to attend upon Professor T for assessment and to comply with reasonable recommendations regarding the child's health, with costs to be shared equally.

By consent, the court ordered that the child live with the wife and that both parents have equal shared parental responsibility for the child's long-term care, welfare, and development. The court also made detailed orders regarding the husband's time with the child, communication between the parents and the child, and provisions for the child's health management and associated costs. The appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged, and all extant applications were dismissed. The parties were also ordered to pay the expenses of Dr H for attending court.