LANSDALE & MASTERS

This matter concerned an application before Murphy J concerning parental responsibility and time spent with the child, R Masters-Lansdale. The dispute involved the mother and father of the child, and the proceedings concluded by consent orders, with the mother providing undertakings not to make certain public statements or statements to the child regarding the father's criminal history or a suggestion that the father wished her to procure an abortion.

The court was required to determine the arrangements for the child's upbringing, specifically regarding parental responsibility for long-term decisions, the child's living arrangements, and the time the child would spend with each parent. The orders also addressed communication between the parents, notification of medical treatment, access to information about the child from professionals and educational institutions, holiday arrangements, and religious upbringing.

The court made orders by consent, reflecting an agreement between the parties. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues, with specific obligations to consult the father in writing before making ultimate decisions. The child was ordered to live with the mother, and detailed provisions were made for the child to spend time with the father, including specific days, times, and holiday periods, with adjustments for the child's age. The orders also included provisions for communication, travel, and religious upbringing, and importantly, prohibited either parent from denigrating the other in the child's presence. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.