Maddox and Nemet

In *Maddox and Nemet*, heard by Judge Small, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child born in 2004. The court was required to determine the future living arrangements and time spent between the child and each parent, as well as the allocation of parental responsibility and communication protocols.

The court's reasoning led to the discharge of all previous parenting orders. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for the child, with specific provisions requiring her to inform the father in writing of any major decisions regarding the child's name, medical treatment, education, or religious practice. The father was afforded a seven-day period to respond in writing to such proposals, after which the mother was to consider his views and inform him of her final decision within a further seven days. The child was ordered to live with the mother, with detailed provisions outlining the child's time with the father during school terms, school holidays, and specific annual events, including Fathers' Day, Christmas, and birthdays. The orders also established communication rights for both parents, including electronic communication, and imposed injunctions to prevent disparaging remarks about the other parent in the child's presence and to prohibit discussing the proceedings with the child. A Family Law Watchlist Order made in 2017 was extended.