Kirk and Baldry

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Judge Phipps concerning the child X. The orders addressed issues of parental responsibility, the child's residence, and the time the child would spend with each parent. The court also made orders regarding communication between the parents, the father's engagement in counselling and a parenting course, and the mother's authority to change the child's registered name.

The court was required to determine the specific arrangements for the child's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and the extent of each parent's decision-making responsibilities. This included establishing a schedule for the child's time with the father, including specific days and times for contact, and outlining how significant decisions regarding the child's education and medical care would be made. The court also considered the need for ongoing therapeutic intervention for the father and the appropriateness of certain restrictions on the father's conduct.

In reaching its decision, the court made orders that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the child, with the child to live with her. The father was granted specific, albeit limited, time with the child, with detailed provisions for communication and special occasions. The court also imposed injunctions on the father, restraining him from disseminating information about the child and mother on electronic media and from denigrating the mother. Furthermore, the father was ordered to continue psycho-educational counselling and complete a parenting course, with reports to be provided to the mother. The mother was authorised to change the child's registered name.