Merritt and Partos (No 2)

In *Merritt and Partos (No 2)*, Forrest J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parenting arrangements for a child born in 2006. The dispute involved the living arrangements, parental responsibility, and time spent between the child and each parent.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the child, the allocation of parental responsibility for major long-term issues, and the specific arrangements for the child's time with each parent, including holiday periods and communication. Additionally, the court addressed practical matters such as the method and location of child transitions, communication protocols between parents, and restrictions on parental conduct and travel.

Forrest J ordered that the child live with the mother and be permitted to relocate with her to Queensland. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues, with a requirement to inform and consider the father's input in writing. Detailed provisions were made for the child's time with the father, including specific holiday periods and weekend contact, subject to notice and location restrictions. The orders also established communication protocols, including regular video calls, and outlined specific requirements for parental conduct, such as refraining from denigrating the other parent and managing the child's passport and international travel. The court also discharged the Independent Children's Lawyer and requested the removal of the child's name from the Family Law Watch List.