Jasper and Jasper

In the Family Court of Australia at Melbourne, Bennett J presided over proceedings between Mrs Jasper (the applicant wife) and Mr Jasper (the respondent husband) concerning parenting orders for their daughter, born in December 1994. The matter was listed for a final hearing, but the court was dealing with an adjournment for final determination. A family report had been completed, but the author was unavailable for cross-examination. The wife and the independent children's lawyer had reached an agreement, but the husband sought different orders.

The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for the child, including the extent of shared parental responsibility, the child's residence, and the time the father would spend with the child. Additionally, the court needed to consider the continuation of the independent children's lawyer and the appointment of a family consultant to supervise compliance with the parenting orders. The court also had to address the specific communication and information-sharing obligations between the parents regarding the child's schooling and well-being.

Bennett J made orders suspending previous parenting arrangements and establishing equal shared responsibility for the child. The child was to reside with the wife until further order, with specific provisions for the father's time and communication, including alternate Sundays, Father's Day, the parties' birthdays, and regular telephone and email contact. The court also mandated that both parents keep each other informed of significant medical events and changes in residential details. Further orders directed the wife to facilitate the husband's access to school reports and information, and to notify him of parent-teacher interviews and school events. The appointment of the independent children's lawyer was to continue, and a family consultant was to be nominated to supervise compliance with the orders for a period of two years, with an initial assessment to be conducted by Ms H. The father was also prohibited from taking the child to ballroom dancing until further order.

The further hearing of the matter was adjourned to 8 May 2007 for final determination, with directions for parties to file and serve further material and for the independent children's lawyer to provide a minute of proposed final orders. The court also ordered that the reasons for judgment be transcribed and sent to all parties.