Rice and Pettit

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Judge Willis concerning the child X. The dispute involved the mother and father regarding the arrangements for their child, including shared parental responsibility, living arrangements, time spent with each parent, communication, and associated costs.

The court was required to determine the extent of equal shared parental responsibility, the specific terms of the child's living arrangements and time spent with each parent, and the communication protocols between the parents. Further issues included the allocation of costs for travel related to the child spending time with the mother, and the authority of each parent to access information regarding the child's education and medical care. The court also addressed provisions for non-denigration and notification of changes in addresses and contact details.

Judge Willis made orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility, requiring the parents to consult on significant parenting issues including medical, educational, disciplinary, social development, religious, and cultural matters, as well as any intended change of surname. The child was ordered to live with the father, with specific provisions for the child to spend time with the mother during school holidays and on weekends during school terms, with the mother bearing the cost of travel for these visits, except for specific weekend visits. The court also detailed communication methods, including email and telephone, and established the authority for both parents to receive information from the child's educational and medical providers. Provisions were also made to prevent denigration of either parent and to ensure timely notification of changes in addresses and health concerns.