Lafayette and Fontaine

This matter concerned orders made by Faulks DCJ regarding the parental responsibility and living arrangements for a child, M, born in December 2005. The parties involved were the child's mother, Ms Lafayette, and her father, Mr Fontaine. The dispute centred on the future care and upbringing of M, with the court ultimately making significant orders concerning parental responsibility, the child's residence, and contact arrangements.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate orders for M's sole parental responsibility, residence, and the specific terms of contact between M and her mother. This involved considering the child's best interests in relation to her living arrangements, the extent of information sharing between the parents, and the practicalities of travel and communication for contact. The court also had to address the division of costs associated with the child's travel for contact visits.

Faulks DCJ ordered that Mr Fontaine have sole parental responsibility for M, with M to live with him. However, the court stipulated detailed provisions for Ms Lafayette to be informed about M's medical issues, schooling, and significant life events. Mr Fontaine was also directed to authorise relevant professionals and institutions to provide information to Ms Lafayette upon request. While Mr Fontaine retained the right to make decisions about M's long-term care, welfare, and development, he was to consider consulting with Ms Lafayette on major decisions affecting M's wellbeing. Specific contact arrangements were outlined, including periods of residence with the mother, alternating school holiday arrangements, weekend contact, and provisions for communication and travel costs. The mother was also ordered to provide certain personal items and photographs to the father.