Meeks and Royce

Cleary J made orders concerning the residence and parental responsibility of a child, B, born in 2008, in a dispute between the child's parents, Meeks and Royce. All prior parenting orders made in the Federal Circuit Court and this Court were discharged.

The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the child, who would have sole parental responsibility, and the extent of the father's involvement in the child's life, including time spent with the father, communication, and the provision of information regarding the child's schooling and medical care. Additionally, the court needed to address the facilitation of therapeutic counselling for the child and the parents, as well as specific restraints on the mother and both parents.

Cleary J ordered that the child live with the mother and that the mother have sole parental responsibility. The father was to be kept informed of specific aspects of the child's schooling and medical care, and was granted liberty to attend school functions. Detailed provisions were made for the child's time with the father, which were to progressively increase and change as the child transitioned through primary and into high school. The mother was ordered to arrange therapeutic counselling for the child to manage the change of households and to develop trust in both parents. The father was also recommended to seek psychological assistance. Specific restraints were placed on the mother regarding contact with certain individuals, and both parents were restrained from denigrating each other in the child's presence. The Independent Children's Lawyer's appointment was extended for three months.