Martin and Morris

The matter of Martin and Morris concerned an application for parenting orders regarding the future welfare and development of the child of the marriage. The court was required to determine the arrangements for the child's residence, time spent with each parent, and communication.

The central legal issues before the court were how to best promote the child's welfare and development, particularly in light of the Wife's issues with alcohol. This involved determining the specific terms of shared parental responsibility, the primary residence of the child, and the conditions and limitations to be placed on the Wife's time with the child to ensure his safety and well-being.

Dessau J ordered that the parents have joint, shared parental responsibility for the child. The child was to live with the Husband on a day-to-day basis. The Wife was granted specific periods of time with the child, subject to stringent conditions including a prohibition on alcohol consumption for 24 hours prior to and during her time with the child, and the substantial attendance of her parents. Further conditions included the child sleeping at the maternal grandmother's home unless otherwise agreed, the Wife not driving the child, and the Wife attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and counselling. The court also made orders regarding communication, collection of the child, and specific suspensions of the Wife's time with the child on the child's birthday and Father's Day.