Rodden and Craddock

The matter of Rodden and Craddock concerned parenting arrangements for the child [X], born in 2011. The proceedings were before Judge McGuire. The dispute centred on the terms of shared parental responsibility, living arrangements, and communication between the parents, Ms Rodden (the mother) and Mr Craddock (the father).

The court was required to determine the extent of equal shared parental responsibility, the specific living arrangements for [X] between his parents, and the nature of time [X] would spend with each parent on specific occasions such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, and birthdays. Further issues included the terms of communication between the parents, particularly regarding denigration, and the extent of each parent's involvement in [X]'s schooling and medical care. The court also needed to address the father's ongoing management of his bipolar disorder and restrictions on seeking external psychological or behavioural advice for the child.

Judge McGuire ordered that the parents have equal shared parental responsibility for [X]. The child was to live on a week-about basis between the parents, with changeovers occurring on Fridays. Specific provisions were made for [X] to spend time with each parent on Mother's Day, Father's Day, religious festival days, and birthdays, with flexibility for written agreement between the parents. Crucially, both parents were restrained from denigrating the other parent, either directly or in the presence of [X]. Each parent was authorised to have full involvement in [X]'s schooling and access to his medical professionals. The father was ordered to continue consulting his General Practitioner regarding his bipolar disorder and to comply with prescribed medication. Finally, neither parent was permitted to take [X] to consult with counsellors or psychologists without the other parent's written consent or a court order, with an exception for the school counsellor.