MANY & QUEBEC

In the matter of *Many & Quebec*, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parenting arrangements for a child born in December 1999. The dispute involved the mother, Ms Quebec, and the father, Mr Many, regarding their respective roles and responsibilities in the child's life.

The court was required to determine the primary caregiver for the child, the extent of parental responsibility each parent would hold, and the nature and extent of the father's ongoing involvement with the child. This included considerations regarding communication, the exchange of information about the child's welfare, and the father's ability to send gifts and correspondence. The court also had to address the father's access to school reports and any restrictions on direct contact.

Benjamin J ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. Ms Quebec was granted sole parental responsibility, and the child was to live with her. The father was permitted to send cards, presents, and letters to the child at specified intervals, and the mother was to facilitate the child's access to these items and support any wish the child expressed to respond. The father was also entitled to receive school reports at his expense, with the child having the option to cease this arrangement upon turning 14. Crucially, the father was restrained from having any face-to-face time with the child, attending the child's school, or communicating with the child except as expressly provided in the orders. The mother was also ordered to enrol in a parenting program.