HAWKINS & SOPHORA

The parties to this matter were the Mother and the Father, concerning their child, B. The dispute involved parenting arrangements, including residence, parental responsibility, time spent with each parent, communication, and other related matters. The proceedings were before Kent J in the Family Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine the terms of consent orders governing the parenting arrangements for the child. Specifically, the court needed to address issues such as where the child would live, how parental responsibility would be shared, the schedule for the child to spend time with each parent, and the methods of communication between the parents. Further issues included provisions for medical matters, travel, non-denigration, and dispute resolution processes.

By consent of the parties, the court made orders discharging previous orders and establishing new arrangements. The child was ordered to live with the Mother, while the Mother and Father were to have equal shared parental responsibility for the child's long-term care, welfare, and development. The orders detailed specific consultation requirements for significant decisions, daily care responsibilities when the child was with each parent, and an extensive schedule for the child to spend time with the Father, including provisions for public holidays, birthdays, and school holidays. The orders also stipulated communication protocols, including the use of text messages for most communication, and detailed provisions for telephone contact between the child and parents, as well as medical and travel arrangements. A non-denigration clause was included, and specific authorities were granted to schools and extracurricular organisations. The parties were also directed to engage in a defined dispute resolution process for future disagreements.

The court ordered that the proceedings be adjourned for mention before the Registrar on 25 February 2015, and that the Minutes of Consent, along with documents detailing obligations, consequences, and assistance for compliance, be sealed and attached to the orders. The Minutes of Consent were to remain on the court file.