LOVATT & DOWLING

The dispute in *Lovatt & Dowling* concerned parenting orders for a child born in 2014. The matter came before Judge McGuire of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The orders made by the court addressed the allocation of parental responsibility, the child's residence, and the time the child would spend with each parent, including during school holidays.

The court was required to determine the specific arrangements for the child's living situation and time with each parent, reflecting the principles of equal shared parental responsibility and the child's best interests. This involved defining the frequency and duration of the father's time with the child, as well as establishing geographical limitations on the child's residence with the mother. The court also had to consider the implications of school holidays on the existing time arrangements.

In making its orders, the court applied the provisions of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), specifically sections 62B and 65DA(2), which relate to the particulars of obligations and the consequences of contravention. The court ordered equal shared parental responsibility, with the child to live with the mother. The mother's residence was restricted to the Town F municipality unless otherwise agreed. The father was granted specific time with the child on a two-week rotating regime, with provisions for school holidays and other agreed times. Crucially, the father's time with the child during school terms was suspended during school holidays. The orders also included a statement of particulars regarding obligations and potential consequences of contravention, as set out in an attachment.