PRIDE & PLASTOW

The Applicant Father sought various orders concerning his six-year-old child, including the discharge of previous parenting orders, equal shared parental responsibility for long-term decisions, and specific day-to-day responsibilities. The proposed orders detailed a complex schedule for the child to live with the father, including alternate weeks during school terms, half of school holidays, and specific arrangements for public holidays and birthdays. The father also sought orders restraining the mother from relocating the child more than 20km from Town C, prohibiting her from removing the child, and authorising him to obtain medical information. The matter came before Neville J.

The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for the child, specifically addressing the father's proposed living schedule and the extent of each parent's responsibilities. Key issues included the division of decision-making power, the practical implementation of the proposed living arrangements, and the geographical restrictions on the mother's residence. The court also considered provisions for the exchange of information regarding the child's schooling and medical care, as well as orders aimed at fostering respectful communication between the parents.

Neville J made orders reflecting a significant shift in the child's living arrangements, with the child to live with the father for the majority of the time. The court ordered equal shared parental responsibility for long-term decisions, with the father having sole responsibility for day-to-day decisions when the child lives with him, and the mother having sole responsibility for day-to-day decisions when the child lives with her. The court adopted a detailed schedule for the child's time with the father, including alternate weeks during school terms, and specific holiday and birthday arrangements. Orders were also made regarding geographical restrictions on the mother's residence, the exchange of information, and prohibitions against derogatory remarks.