Mathius and Relli

In *Mathius and Relli*, heard by Bennett J, the proceedings concerned parenting orders for a child born in March 2001. The dispute involved the father and mother of the child, with the court ultimately making orders by consent between the parties.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting arrangements for the child, including where the child would live, the allocation of parental responsibility, and the nature and extent of the child's time with each parent. Additionally, the court addressed conditions relating to the mother's contact with the child, including restrictions on contact with a third party, requirements for suitable accommodation, and participation in counselling programs. The court also considered provisions for communication between the parents regarding the child's welfare and medical treatment, and prohibitions on drug and alcohol use when the child is in their care.

The court's reasoning was primarily based on the Minutes of Consent Orders agreed to by both the mother and the father. These orders reflected a mutual agreement on the parenting arrangements, discharging all previous orders. The child was to live with the father, with both parents sharing equal parental responsibility. The mother's time with the child was conditional on her not bringing the child into contact with Mr J, and included specific arrangements for alternate weekends, telephone contact, and changeover locations. The orders also stipulated requirements for the mother's accommodation, participation in counselling, and communication with the father, along with prohibitions on illicit drug use. The court also made orders for the child to attend a CAHMS programme and for a consultant to supervise the operation of the orders for twelve months.

By consent, the court ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged and that the child live with the father. The mother and father were to have equal shared parental responsibility. The mother's time with the child was detailed, subject to conditions including not bringing the child into contact with Mr J, and provisions for suitable accommodation and participation in counselling. The court also ordered that the mother not cause, permit, or allow the child to come into contact with Mr J until further order, and appointed a consultant to supervise the operation of the child orders for twelve months.