Rudman and Rudman

The decision in *Rudman and Rudman* concerned parenting orders made by Faulks DCJ. The dispute involved the parents of a child, L, born in November 1997, regarding the arrangements for L's care, welfare, and development.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders, specifically addressing issues of parental responsibility, the child's residence, time spent with each parent, and the extent of information sharing and consultation between the parents regarding the child's life. The court also considered the role of external agencies and the discharge of legal representatives.

Faulks DCJ made orders granting the mother sole parental responsibility for L, with the child to live primarily with her. The father was to be informed about significant medical issues, schooling progress, and major life events, and the mother was to authorise the provision of information from L's practitioners and school to the father upon request. The mother retained the right to make decisions about L's long-term care, welfare, and development, though she was to consider consulting with the father on major decisions. The orders also stipulated specific arrangements for the child to spend time with his father, including provisions for holidays and communication. The court also requested assistance from the Chief Executive of the Department of Disabilities, Housing and Community Services and discharged the Independent Children's Lawyers.