POINTER & CHEADLE

The parties in this matter, Pointer and Cheadle, presented a consent order to the Court for approval concerning parenting arrangements for their child, X. The dispute revolved around the living arrangements and time spent between X and each parent, as well as communication protocols and behavioural expectations. The orders were made by Judge Sexton on 23 November 2017.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of the parenting orders, including where X would live, the schedule for X spending time with the Father, and provisions for communication and conduct between the parents. Additionally, the court needed to address the discharge of previous parenting orders and the inclusion of specific clauses regarding family therapy, restraint from denigration, and the provision of information to the child's school. The court also considered the consequences of contravening these orders, as stipulated by section 65DA(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975*.

The court made orders by consent, reflecting an agreement between the parties. These orders stipulated that X would live with the Mother and detailed a specific schedule for X to spend time with the Father during school terms and holidays, including provisions for birthdays and public holidays. The orders also included mutual restraints on the parents from denigrating each other in X's presence, discussing proceedings with X, and engaging in negative communication. Furthermore, the parents were ordered to attend family therapy, share costs equally for joint sessions, and were restrained from attending each other's residences without invitation. The court also mandated specific communication methods and information sharing regarding X's health and schooling. All previous parenting orders, with the exception of those made on this date, were discharged.