McGovern and Donoghue

In the matter of McGovern and Donoghue, heard by Judge Harland, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for the child, X. The orders reflect a complex and phased approach to the child's living arrangements and time spent with each parent, following an initial period of no contact.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the child, the extent of parental responsibility, and the specific schedule for the child's time with each parent, including communication, supervised contact, and holiday arrangements. Further issues included the facilitation of changeovers, the exchange of information regarding the child's health and education, and the involvement of professionals such as family therapists and mental health services. The court also addressed injunctions to prevent denigration and the disclosure of court materials to the children, and considered the potential invalidity of any inconsistent family violence orders.

Judge Harland ordered that the father have sole parental responsibility for the child, with the child to live with the father. The mother's time with the child was to be phased in over several stages, commencing with no contact for three months, followed by telephone contact, then supervised contact, and eventually unsupervised time on alternate weekends and during school holidays. The father was directed to consult with the mother on significant long-term decisions and to facilitate the child's engagement with mental health services and family therapy. The mother was encouraged to seek professional support to adjust to the orders.