Leon and Winter

In the matter of *Leon and Winter*, Austin J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parental responsibility and time spent with a child born in May 2004. The dispute involved the parents' arrangements for their child's care and contact.

The court was required to determine the specific orders for the child's living arrangements, the allocation of parental responsibility for decision-making, and the schedule for the child to spend time with each parent. Additionally, the court had to consider any potential inconsistencies with existing apprehended violence orders and ensure the child's welfare and best interests were paramount in its determinations.

Austin J ordered that all former parenting orders be discharged. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for the child, including decisions regarding sporting and extra-curricular activities, and the child was to live with her. The father was assigned responsibility for the child's daily care during his time with the child. Detailed provisions were made for the child to spend time with the father, including telephone contact, alternate weekends, and specific arrangements for school holidays. The court also imposed several restraints on the father, including prohibitions on alcohol consumption during contact periods, taking the child to licensed premises (with a specific exception), and causing or permitting the child to sleep in the same bed as him. Further orders stipulated communication protocols between parents and the child, notification requirements for medical emergencies and educational events, and prohibitions against corporal punishment and denigration of the other parent. The court also noted that the parenting orders would prevail to the extent of any inconsistency with an existing apprehended violence order.