Lockhart and White

The case of Lockhart and White concerned parenting orders for a child born in 2008. The dispute involved the mother and father regarding the child's living arrangements, parental responsibility, and time spent with each parent. The matter was heard by Judge Mercuri.

The court was required to determine the specific parenting orders that would best serve the child's welfare and best interests. This included deciding on sole or shared parental responsibility, the child's primary residence, and the detailed arrangements for the child's time with each parent, including during school holidays and special occasions. The court also had to consider provisions for communication between parents regarding the child's schooling and medical care, as well as address concerns about the child's potential removal from Australia and the father's supervision of the child.

Judge Mercuri discharged all previous parenting orders and made new orders. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility, with specific requirements for her to keep the father informed in writing about the child's schooling, medical emergencies, major medical/dental issues, and other significant decisions. The child was ordered to live with the mother, and detailed provisions were made for the child's time with the father, including regular weekday and weekend contact, holiday arrangements, and specific provisions for birthdays and public holidays. The court also imposed injunctions restraining both parents from denigrating each other in the child's presence, discussing proceedings with the child, or physically disciplining the child. Further orders addressed communication with health professionals and schools, the father's attendance at school events, and restrictions on taking the child out of Australia, with specific conditions for international travel by the mother. The father was also subject to supervision requirements for a period, and both parents were directed to undertake a step families program.