Mulligan and Mullins

This matter concerned parenting orders made by consent between the parents of a child, X, born in 2004. The dispute revolved around the arrangements for the child's care and time spent with each parent.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of the parenting orders, including the allocation of parental responsibility, the child's living arrangements, and the schedule for the father's time with the child. Additionally, the orders addressed communication protocols between the parents, arrangements for the child's medical treatment and education, and financial responsibilities related to the child's care.

By consent, the court ordered the discharge of all previous parenting orders. The parents were granted equal shared parental responsibility for X. In default of agreement, the child was to live with the Mother, and the Father was to spend time with the child on alternate weekends, half of each school holiday period, and specific holiday periods such as the Autumn and Summer holidays, with detailed provisions for changeovers and communication. The orders also stipulated arrangements for telephone contact, medical appointments, and the sharing of information from treating professionals and the child's school. Further provisions addressed emergency medical situations, the co-ordination of treatment for specific health conditions, and communication methods between the parents. The court also made orders regarding the Independent Children's Lawyer and the dismissal of extant applications.