Partos and Merritt (No. 2)

In *Partos and Merritt (No. 2)*, Bell J of the Family Court of Australia determined parenting orders concerning a child born in May 2006. The dispute involved the mother and father regarding the child's residence, time spent with each parent, and the child's surname.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate arrangements for the child's welfare, specifically addressing sole parental responsibility, the child's living arrangements, and the extent and conditions of the father's time with the child. Further issues included the child's surname and the method of communication between the parents regarding the child.

Bell J ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility and that the child live with her. The father was granted specific, supervised time with the child, with further time contingent on his completion of a parenting program. The court also mandated a report under section 65L of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) and adjourned the matter for further mention. Crucially, the court ordered that the child continue to be known by the surname Merritt-Partos, with the mother to take all necessary steps to update relevant records. The orders also stipulated communication protocols between the parents, including the use of text messages for emergencies and a communication book for general matters, and included particulars of obligations and consequences of contravention under sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the Act.