Moller & Astle

The case of *Moller & Astle* concerned parenting orders for a child born in September 2002. The dispute involved the mother and the father regarding the arrangements for their son. The decision was made by Faulks DCJ.

The court was required to determine the nature of parental responsibility, where the child would primarily live, the specific arrangements for the child spending time with and communicating with each parent, and how decisions regarding the child's day-to-day care, welfare, and development would be made. Additionally, the court addressed practical matters such as the cost and responsibility for the child's travel between parents, the location of changeovers, and the ongoing communication and information sharing between the parents concerning the child's health, education, and development. The court also considered orders restraining the parties from disclosing documents related to the proceedings.

Faulks DCJ made orders by consent, establishing equal shared parental responsibility for the child, with the mother having the child live with her primarily. The father was granted specific periods of time with the child during school holidays and was entitled to two blocks of seven days during school terms, subject to conditions regarding school attendance and notice. The orders also detailed communication arrangements, including telephone, email, and Skype. The court stipulated that each parent would have sole responsibility for day-to-day decisions when the child was in their care. Practical arrangements for travel, including the use of unaccompanied minor services after the child's sixth birthday and the cost of accompanying travel before that age, were also outlined. The parents were ordered to keep each other informed on significant issues concerning the child and were authorised to obtain information from health professionals and schools. Finally, the court made orders restraining the parties from disclosing documents related to the proceedings without consent or court order, and specified the return of subpoenaed material.