PEARCE & ARTHURSON

In this matter before Berman J of the Family Court of Australia, the dispute concerned parenting orders for the child, C. The mother sought sole parental responsibility and that the father have no time with the child, while the father ultimately sought an equal care arrangement and equal shared parental responsibility.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the child, as mandated by the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This involved considering whether the child should have a meaningful relationship with both parents and assessing any risks posed by the father to the child.

Berman J found that the father did not pose an unacceptable risk to the child. Applying the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly sections concerning the child's best interests and the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility, the court ordered that the child live with the mother and spend significant and substantial time with the father. The court also made orders for shared parental responsibility, with the mother retaining sole responsibility for health issues, subject to consultation with the father.

The court discharged all previous parenting orders and made detailed provisions regarding the child's time with each parent, including specific arrangements for school holidays and special occasions. Further orders addressed communication, travel, and the exchange of information between the parties.