MANN-PETERS & MANN

This matter concerned an application by Mr Mann-Peters (the father) for equal time with his child, H, born in November 2006. Ms Mann (the mother) was the other party. The dispute arose in the context of significant communication difficulties and a lack of co-operation between the parents.

The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for the child, specifically whether the child should spend equal time with each parent, or a significant but not equal amount of time. The court also considered issues of parental responsibility and the practical arrangements for the child's care, including special days, holidays, and communication between the parents regarding the child's well-being.

Benjamin J found that while the child should spend significant and substantial time with his father, equal time was not appropriate given the communication difficulties. The court made orders for equal shared parental responsibility, with the child to live with the mother at all times except as otherwise provided. The orders detailed specific fortnightly arrangements for the child to live with the father during school terms, and extensive consent orders were made regarding special days, holidays, and changeover arrangements, aiming to facilitate ongoing communication and co-operation between the parents.