LAVERICK & HARWOOD (No.2)

In LAVERICK & HARWOOD (No.2), Judge Obradovic of the Family Court of Australia considered competing applications concerning the parental responsibility and living arrangements for a child. The dispute arose from the parents' inability to communicate effectively, necessitating court intervention to determine the child's best interests.

The court was required to determine who should have sole parental responsibility for the child, where the child should live, and the specific arrangements for the child to spend time with the non-resident parent. Additionally, the court needed to establish protocols for communication between the parents and the child, and address practical matters such as school information and changeovers.

The court's reasoning focused on the paramount consideration of the child's best interests, particularly in light of the parents' communication difficulties. To promote stability and reduce conflict, the mother was granted sole parental responsibility, and the child was ordered to live with her. The court then detailed a comprehensive schedule for the child's time with the father, including provisions for school holidays, birthdays, and specific communication methods to ensure ongoing contact with both parents. Further orders were made to manage practical aspects like school notifications, changeovers, and to prevent denigration of either parent in the child's presence.