LELE & JANACEK

This matter came before Tree J concerning parenting orders for the child B. The dispute involved the mother, Ms Lele, and the father, Mr Janacek, regarding the arrangements for their child.

The court was required to determine issues of parental responsibility, the exchange of information between the parents, the living arrangements for the child, communication protocols, changeovers, passport custody, international travel, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Specifically, the court needed to establish how major long-term decisions would be made, how the child would spend time with each parent, and the procedures for communication and travel.

Tree J ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. The court established equal shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues, requiring the parents to consult and make genuine efforts to reach joint decisions on matters such as the child's name, relocation, schooling, and significant medical interventions. Detailed provisions were made for the exchange of information, including residential addresses, contact details, and medical and educational information. The living arrangements were stipulated based on the mother's residence in or outside "Region C," with specific schedules for school terms, holidays, and special occasions, including Christmas and birthdays. Provisions were also made for communication between the child and the non-resident parent, including regular scheduled calls and email contact, with emphasis on privacy and the child initiating contact.

Further orders addressed changeovers, with the father responsible for collection and return if the mother is in or visiting Region C, and airport changeovers if the mother resides outside Region C. The father was ordered to hold the child's passport, with provisions for its renewal. International travel was permitted during school holidays, subject to the travelling parent providing itineraries and contact details to the other parent at least 21 days prior to departure, and arranging for the child to telephone the other parent at least once per week. Finally, the court mandated dispute resolution through counselling or mediation before any further court applications could be made, and dismissed all extant applications, removing the matter from the active list.