MORTON & CRAFT

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Judge Phipps in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. The dispute involved the mother and father of a child, X, born in 2009, regarding the arrangements for their child's care and time spent with each parent.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders, specifically addressing issues of parental responsibility, the child's living arrangements, and the specific times the child would spend with each parent. The orders also needed to encompass provisions for communication, holidays, special occasions, and the notification of significant events such as illness or medical appointments. Furthermore, the court had to consider and make orders regarding the mother's ability to travel internationally with the child, including any necessary security arrangements.

Judge Phipps made orders discharging all previous orders. The court ordered that the mother and father have equal shared parental responsibility for the child. The child was ordered to live with the mother, with detailed provisions outlining the child's time with the father, which were phased in over several years and included specific arrangements for school terms, holidays, birthdays, and Christmas. The orders also included provisions for communication, collection and delivery of the child, notification of illness and medical appointments, and mutual notification of contact details. Injunctions were granted restraining both parties from denigrating the other parent in the presence of the child and from discussing the proceedings with the child. The mother was permitted to travel with the child internationally up to twice a year for a maximum of eight weeks, subject to specific notice requirements and the provision of security in the sum of $10,000. The mother was also ordered to retain the child's passport.