Hunt and Richards

This matter came before Judge Roberts concerning the parenting arrangements for a child named Y, born in 2009. The dispute involved the mother, Ms Hunt, and the father, Mr Richards.

The court was required to determine the terms of shared parental responsibility, the living arrangements for Y, and the specific times Y would spend with each parent, including during school terms, holidays, and special occasions. Further issues included arrangements for Y to spend time with her half-brother, Z, including the process of reintroduction and supervision, as well as provisions for communication between the parents regarding Y's schooling and welfare. The court also addressed restrictions on the parents' conduct, including communication about the proceedings, substance use, and interactions with Y.

Judge Roberts ordered that the parties have equal shared parental responsibility for Y, with Y to live with the father. Detailed provisions were made for Y's time with the mother, progressively increasing over several months, and specific arrangements for holidays and birthdays were outlined for both parents. The court also established a phased approach for Y's reintroduction and time with her half-brother, Z, initially supervised and gradually transitioning to unsupervised time. The orders included specific protocols for changeovers, communication about school activities, and restrictions on discussing allegations from the proceedings with Y or in her presence. Furthermore, the court imposed restraints on the parents regarding substance use, alcohol consumption, and denigrating the other parent to or in front of Y. The court also requested the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania to extend the appointment of the Independent Child’s Lawyer for 12 months and restrained Mr Richards from making complaints to disciplinary bodies without leave of the court.