McKellar and Meldrum

In the matter of McKellar and Meldrum, Murphy J of the Family Court of Australia made orders by consent between the applicants and the respondent concerning their child, T. The dispute centred on arrangements for the child's care, welfare, and development, including parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time with the respondent.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of the consent orders governing these matters. This included the allocation of sole parental responsibility for both long-term and day-to-day care, the child's residence, and the nature and extent of the respondent's time with the child. Further issues included provisions for communication between the respondent and the child, notification of significant health events, and the facilitation of a change of the child's surname.

Murphy J made orders by consent, reflecting the agreement of the parties. These orders granted the applicants sole parental responsibility for the child's long-term care, welfare, and development, and stipulated that the child live with the applicants. The applicants were also granted sole parental responsibility for the child's day-to-day care. The respondent was granted specific periods of time with the child around the child's birthday and Christmas, and permitted to send parcels and cards. The applicants were also ordered to inform the respondent of any surgery or major illness affecting the child and to provide annual photographs. Crucially, the orders permitted the applicants to change the child's name to T McKellar, with the respondent to facilitate this, and all parties were to use this name thereafter. The requirement for service on the respondent was dispensed with.