LEEKS & CARDWELL

In the matter of LEEKS & CARDWELL, Judge Altobelli of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia made orders concerning the parenting arrangements for a child, [X], born in 2014. While most issues were resolved by consent, the court determined specific matters relating to parental responsibility, the child's residence, time spent with each parent, and international travel.

The court was required to determine the allocation of parental responsibility for major long-term issues, including education and health, and to establish specific time arrangements for the child with each parent, both before and after the child commenced primary school. Further issues for determination included arrangements for school holidays, the child's birthday, extracurricular activities, communication between parents, and the conditions under which the child could travel internationally. The court also made orders regarding the child's habitual residence and the removal of the child from the Airport Watch List.

The court's reasoning, as reflected in the orders, aimed to ensure the best interests of the child. Parental responsibility for major long-term issues was divided, with shared responsibility for the child's name and significant changes to living arrangements, while the mother retained responsibility for education and health, subject to genuine consultation with the father. Specific time arrangements were detailed, including alternate weekends and holiday periods, with provisions for school terms and school holidays. The court also imposed strict conditions on international travel, requiring adherence to the Hague Convention, advance notification, and the lodging of a security deposit, with the Federal Circuit Court Registry holding the child's Australian passport when not in use. Injunctions were also made to prevent negative remarks about a parent and to ensure the child's privacy regarding proceedings.