Nepean and Treloar

In the matter of Nepean and Treloar, Fowler J considered parenting orders concerning a child born in June 2003. The dispute involved the parents' responsibilities and the child's living arrangements and time with each parent.

The court was required to determine the extent of equal shared parental responsibility, the specific arrangements for the child's residence and time with each parent, and the procedures for making major decisions regarding the child's health and education. Additionally, the court addressed the need for therapeutic interventions for the mother, parenting education for the father, and protocols for communication, travel, and the dissemination of information related to the proceedings and the parties.

Fowler J discharged all prior parenting orders and established new arrangements. The parents were granted equal shared parental responsibility, with specific provisions for joint decision-making on major issues, including a mediation process and ultimate decision-making authority for the mother if agreement could not be reached. The child was ordered to live with the mother, with detailed schedules for the child's time with the father during school terms and holidays, including specific arrangements for public holidays and birthdays. The court also imposed injunctions on the father regarding the publication of information related to the proceedings and the mother and child, and made orders for the parties to attend counselling, mediation, and parenting courses. The father's application for a change of the child's name was dismissed.