Shrine and Murphy

In the matter of *Shrine and Murphy*, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning a child born in January 2003. The dispute involved the arrangements for the child's parental responsibility, living arrangements, and communication between the parents.

The court was required to determine the primary caregiver for the child, the specific times the child would spend with each parent, and the extent of parental responsibility each parent would hold. Additionally, the court needed to address issues of parental communication, geographical restrictions on the child's residence, and the prohibition of discussing allegations of abuse or denigrating the other parent to the child. The court also considered the need for counselling for the child and the parents, as well as the exchange of information regarding the child's schooling and health.

Benjamin J ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. The father was granted sole parental responsibility, with specific provisions requiring consultation with the mother on major long-term issues and notification of decisions. The court imposed restrictions on removing the child from the current school, relocating the child's home outside of a defined area in Southern Cairns, and enrolling the child in extracurricular activities that would impact the other parent's time, all without the written agreement of the other parent or a court order. The father was also ordered to keep the mother informed of the child's medical consultations and treatment. The child was ordered to live with the father, with detailed provisions outlining the child's time with the mother, including weekends, school holidays, and specific days such as birthdays and Mother's Day/Father's Day. The court also made orders regarding communication methods, changeover locations, and restraints on discussing allegations of abuse or denigrating the other parent. Both parents were ordered to attend counselling and a Parenting Orders Program.