Ryland and Crittenden

This matter concerned an application by the mother for orders regarding the parenting of the parties' child, B, born in 2013. The primary dispute revolved around the mother's proposed relocation of the child's residence to the United Kingdom and the practical arrangements for the child's time with both parents.

The court was required to determine the nature of parental responsibility, where the child would live, and whether to permit the mother to relocate the child to the United Kingdom. Further issues included the specific arrangements for the child's time with each parent, both before and after the relocation, including provisions for communication, travel costs, and the exchange of information regarding the child's well-being and education. The court also considered orders restraining derogatory comments about either parent in the child's presence.

McClelland J ordered that the parties have equal shared parental responsibility for the child. The child was ordered to live with the mother, and the mother was permitted to relocate the child to the United Kingdom. The orders then detailed extensive provisions for the child's time with the father, both prior to and following the relocation, with specific arrangements for holidays, communication, and travel costs. The court also made orders for the parties to keep each other informed of significant matters concerning the child and for the father to receive school reports. Finally, both parents were restrained from making derogatory statements about the other in the child's presence.