Panneton & Delauder

This case involved a dispute between the mother and father concerning parenting arrangements for their child and the division of their property. The mother sought to relocate internationally with the child, while the father sought orders for the child to live with him on an equal basis with the mother. The matter was heard by Judge Middleton.

The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for the child, including whether the mother should be permitted to relocate internationally with the child. Additionally, the court needed to make orders regarding the division of the parties' property interests, considering the question of whether it was just and equitable to adjust those interests.

The court's reasoning focused on the child's best interests, noting that the parental dispute had significantly affected the child's ability to form a close relationship with the father. The court made detailed orders regarding equal shared parental responsibility, the child's living arrangements, and the time the child would spend with each parent. Crucially, the court permitted the mother to relocate with the child to the United States of America from 19 December 2021, subject to specific conditions regarding the child's time with the father, including during school holidays and term time. The court also made orders for the division of property, with each party retaining their respective assets and liabilities.