Jones and Fulton

The Honourable Justice Jordan presided over proceedings concerning the child, T, born in January 2001, and the dispute between the child's parents, Jones and Fulton. The core of the dispute revolved around the living arrangements and parental responsibilities for T.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the child, the allocation of parental responsibility, and the specific arrangements for T to spend time with and communicate with each parent. Further issues included the father's obligation to undertake counselling and therapy, the removal of the child from an alert system, and the mother's ability to travel internationally with the child. The court also needed to address communication protocols between the parents, the child's naming conventions, and the role and duration of the Independent Children's Lawyer.

Justice Jordan ordered that the child, T, live with the Mother and that the Mother have sole parental responsibility. The party in whose care T is from time to time is responsible for non-major long-term issues. Detailed provisions were made for T to spend time with and communicate with the Father, with specific arrangements varying based on T's commencement of school and the Father's completion of therapy. The Father was ordered to attend six individual counselling sessions and an eight-week group therapy course, with the costs to be borne by him. The Australian Federal Police were directed to remove T from the PACE Alert System. The Mother was granted liberty to take T on holidays outside Australia, subject to specific notice and information requirements. The court also mandated the use of a communication book, prohibited denigration of either parent in T's presence, and required parties to inform each other of address and telephone number changes. T is to be known by the names THJ. The Independent Children's Lawyer's appointment was extended until 1 June 2008.