Lamport and Stokes

In the matter of Lamport and Stokes, heard before Judge Curtain, the court considered parenting orders concerning the child [X]. The dispute involved the mother's proposed relocation to New Zealand with [X] and the subsequent arrangements for shared parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time with each parent.

The court was required to determine the extent of equal shared parental responsibility, the specific living arrangements for [X] both before and after the relocation, and the nature and frequency of time [X] would spend with each parent. Further issues included arrangements for communication between [X] and his father, financial responsibilities for travel, and provisions for overseas travel and the exchange of information regarding [X]'s education and health.

The court discharged all prior parenting orders, including a Watch List order. It established equal shared parental responsibility for [X], with a primary living arrangement with the father and time with the mother. Crucially, the mother was permitted to relocate to New Zealand with [X] after the conclusion of the Victorian school term holidays. Detailed provisions were made for [X]'s time with each parent, including during school holidays and term times, and for communication via telephone and electronic means. The court also ordered shared responsibility for airfares for [X]'s travel between Australia and New Zealand and imposed restraints on the mother regarding illicit drug use and excessive alcohol consumption when she had care of [X]. Provisions were also made for passport arrangements, future overseas travel, and the exchange of information regarding [X]'s welfare and education.