Klomp and Watson

In the matter of *Klomp and Watson*, heard by Judge Altobelli, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for a child with special medical needs, where the father resided interstate. The proceedings addressed the practicalities of the father spending time with the child, given the child's medical condition and the geographical distance between the parents.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of the father's time with the child, including the frequency, duration, and importantly, the necessity of supervision due to the child's medical condition. Further issues included the allocation of costs associated with contact and supervision, the method of communication between the father and child, and the conduct of the parents in relation to each other and the child during and outside of contact. The court also considered the child's medical team's recommendations regarding the child's understanding of his medical condition and his parents' roles.

Judge Altobelli ordered that the child would spend time with the father a minimum of once per month, under the supervision of an agreed contact centre, professional agency, or other agreed person, with supervision costs to be shared equally. The father was to bear all other costs, including his travel. The duration of these visits was to be progressively increased, commencing during school holidays. Crucially, this time was conditional upon the father undertaking specific educational sessions with the child's treating medical team regarding the child's cognitive deficits and recommended management strategies. The father was also to have telephone communication with the child every alternate Sunday. The court further restrained both parents from discussing allegations made in the proceedings with the child and from denigrating each other in the child's presence. The mother was directed to engage in 'life story work' with the child. The matter was subsequently transferred to the Family Court of Australia for further listing.