O'KEEFE & PASCOE

This matter concerned an application before Gill J in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, involving Mr O'Keefe (the Father) and Ms Pascoe (the Mother). The dispute centred on parenting arrangements for their child, D, born in 2014. The court was required to determine the future parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time D would spend with each parent, as well as address outstanding contravention applications.

The court was tasked with determining the appropriate orders for sole parental responsibility, where D would live, and the specific time D would spend with the Mother. Additionally, the court needed to consider and resolve any outstanding contravention applications filed by the parties. The court also had to establish guidelines for communication, special occasions, changeovers, and restrictions on parental conduct, including alcohol consumption and contact with specific individuals.

Gill J ordered that the Father have sole parental responsibility for D, with D to live with the Father. The Mother was granted specific time with D, including alternate Sundays and weekday afternoons, with provisions for school holidays and special occasions. The court imposed restraints on both parents, notably restraining the Mother from bringing D into contact with Mr Pascoe or Mr H, and restraining both parents from consuming alcohol while D is in their care or allowing D to come into contact with individuals who have consumed alcohol to excess. The court also ordered the parties to attend further mediation and made specific provisions for the Mother's time with D via FaceTime or similar services until she determined it appropriate to recommence face-to-face time, acknowledging COVID-19 considerations. All previous orders were discharged and outstanding contravention applications were dismissed.