McKay and McKay

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Judge Coker in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The dispute involved the Mother and the Father regarding the upbringing and care of their child, X.

The court was required to determine the extent of each parent's responsibility for the major long-term issues concerning the child, including education, religious and cultural upbringing, health, name, and significant changes to living arrangements. Additionally, the court needed to establish the practical arrangements for the child's living situation, time spent with each parent, and communication protocols.

Judge Coker ordered that the Mother and Father have equal shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues, requiring them to consult and make genuine efforts to reach joint decisions. Notwithstanding this, the Mother was assigned responsibility for the child's day-to-day care while the child was with her, and the Father for the child's day-to-day care while the child was with him. The child was ordered to live with the Mother, with specific provisions for the Father to spend time with the child during school terms and holidays, including detailed arrangements for school holidays and special days. The orders also addressed the child's schooling, medical information sharing, communication, and parental conduct.