LEEDS & HOPPER

In the matter of LEEDS & HOPPER, Judge Bender of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning the long-term care, welfare, and development of the parties' daughter, X. The dispute centred on the arrangements for X's living situation, time spent with each parent, and the practicalities of relocation and travel.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders, including whether to discharge previous orders, the nature of parental responsibility, X's primary residence, and the specific arrangements for X to spend time with each parent, both before and after a proposed relocation to Tasmania. Key issues also included the allocation of travel costs and the communication protocols between the parents regarding X.

Judge Bender ordered the discharge of all previous parenting orders. The court established equal shared parental responsibility for X's long-term care, welfare, and development, mandating that the parents consult and make genuine efforts to reach joint decisions on significant matters such as education, healthcare, religious observance, and extracurricular activities. X was ordered to live with the Mother, who was permitted to relocate with X to Tasmania from January 2016. Detailed provisions were made for X to spend time with the Father, including specific schedules for weekends, school holidays, and communication, with adjustments for public holidays and special occasions. The orders also stipulated the allocation of travel costs for X, notice requirements for interstate travel, and the use of a communication book. Furthermore, the Mother was ordered to attend and complete a post-separation parenting program.