Padley & Padley

In the matter of Padley & Padley, heard by Harper J, the dispute concerned parenting orders for the parties' child, X. The father, Mr Padley, was the applicant and the mother, Ms Padley, was the respondent. The proceedings were undefended, with the father having filed a notice of discontinuance.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting arrangements for X, specifically regarding parental responsibility, the child's residence, and contact with the father. The court also needed to consider orders to protect the child and the mother, and to address the father's mental health circumstances.

Harper J made orders for the mother to have sole parental responsibility for X, and for X to live with the mother. The father was restrained from attending X's school, home, or the mother's workplace. Contact between X and the father was to occur only if X indicated a desire for it, and in such circumstances, the mother was to facilitate limited contact as she determined to be safe and appropriate. The mother was also permitted to travel overseas with X and to change X's registered surname.