Quinlan & Ware

In the matter of *Quinlan & Ware*, heard by B Smith J, Mr Quinlan (the Applicant Father) and Ms Ware (the Respondent Mother) sought orders concerning their child, X, born in 2011. The proceedings were initiated by an application filed on 25 September 2020.

The court was required to determine a range of issues concerning the long-term care, welfare, and development of X. These included establishing equal shared parental responsibility, determining with whom X would live, and outlining specific arrangements for X to spend time with both parents, including during weekends, special occasions, and school holidays. The court also addressed communication between the parents and X, X's schooling arrangements, and the provision of information between the parties. Further issues involved restraining orders, including a Family Law Watchlist Order, and provisions for the execution of documents and the potential re-opening of the case.

The court's reasoning led to a comprehensive set of orders aimed at providing stability and clarity for X. It established equal shared parental responsibility, with X to live with the Father. Detailed provisions were made for X's time with the Mother, specifying durations and conditions for weekends, special occasions, and school holidays, with flexibility for travel within Australia. The orders also mandated specific communication protocols, the enrolment of X in a local public school, and the exchange of information between the parents regarding X's health and education. Crucially, the court issued a Family Law Watchlist Order to prevent X's removal from Australia and imposed restraints on denigrating statements made by either parent. The court also made several recommendations concerning X's well-being, including psychological support, educational assistance, and the facilitation of relationships with extended families.