Larsson and Casey

In the matter of *Larsson and Casey*, heard by Gill J, the dispute concerned parenting orders for two children, B and C. The applicant mother sought to relocate B to Darwin, while the respondent father opposed this move. The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in light of the proposed relocation and the existing parental responsibilities.

The central legal issues before the court were whether to dispense with the requirement for a section 60I certificate, whether to grant equal shared parental responsibility, and how to structure the children's living arrangements and time with each parent, particularly in light of the proposed relocation of B to Darwin. The court also had to consider the practicalities of travel arrangements and communication between the parents and children.

Gill J ordered that the requirement for a section 60I certificate be dispensed with. The court made orders for equal shared parental responsibility for both children. B was to live with the mother, and C was to live with the father. Crucially, the mother was permitted to relocate B’s residence to Darwin. The judgment then detailed specific arrangements for B to spend time with the father, and for C to spend time with the mother, including provisions for school holidays and communication methods such as Skype. The mother was ordered to organise and pay for the travel expenses for both children. Further orders addressed the ongoing communication and notification requirements between the parents regarding the children's welfare and schooling.