LINDON & LINDON

In the matter of *Lindon & Lindon*, Judge Scarlett of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the mother for parenting orders concerning the child X, born in 2002. The primary dispute revolved around the mother's request to relocate the child's residence to New South Wales, with both parents seeking orders for equal shared parental responsibility.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the child, specifically addressing the mother's proposed relocation and the division of parental responsibilities. This involved considering the parties' respective proposals for the child's living arrangements and the father's time with the child, as well as the overarching principle of equal shared parental responsibility.

Judge Scarlett discharged all earlier parenting orders and made new orders reflecting equal shared parental responsibility. The child was ordered to live with the mother, who was permitted to relocate the child to New South Wales. The father was granted significant time with the child, including alternate weekends during school terms, half of each school holiday period, and specific arrangements for Christmas and other public holidays. The orders also detailed responsibilities for day-to-day care, decision-making, communication, and the exchange of information regarding the child's welfare and education.