Maddock and Barkin

This matter concerned orders made by Judge Coker regarding the parental responsibility and living arrangements for a child, X. The parties, identified as the Father and the Mother, sought to resolve disputes concerning the child's upbringing and time spent with each parent.

The court was required to determine the extent of equal shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues, including education, religious and cultural upbringing, health, name, and significant changes to living arrangements. Additionally, the court needed to establish the specific arrangements for the child's day-to-day care, welfare, and development, as well as the practicalities of the child spending time with each parent, including provisions for school holidays and communication.

Judge Coker ordered that the Father and Mother have equal shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues concerning the child, requiring them to consult and make genuine efforts to reach joint decisions. The court also stipulated that each parent would be responsible for the child's day-to-day care while the child was with them. Specific provisions were made for the child to live with the Father and spend time with the Mother, with detailed arrangements contingent on whether the Mother lived within a specified area. These arrangements included detailed schedules for weekends, school holidays, and telephone communication. The court also made orders regarding the child's schooling and the process for changeovers between parents.