Sites and Paxton

The case involved a dispute between a mother and father concerning parenting orders for their child, [X]. The matter was heard by Judge Cassidy.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders, including arrangements for the child's living situation, time spent with each parent, and decision-making regarding major long-term issues. Specific issues to be addressed included the extent of shared parental responsibility, the child's residence, the father's contact with the child, and measures to ensure the child's well-being and the parents' communication.

The court ordered that the parties have equal shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues concerning the child's education, health, and significant changes to living arrangements. The child was ordered to live with the mother. The father was restrained from exposing the child to contact with a Ms S. The father's time with the child was to be supervised by the paternal grandparents, with detailed provisions for weekend, holiday, and birthday contact. The court also made orders regarding changeovers, communication between the child and father, and the exchange of information between parents concerning the child's health and education. Further orders addressed the parents' conduct towards each other in the child's presence and outlined a dispute resolution process. The father was permitted to provide certain documents to his treating psychologist or psychiatrist regarding his drug addiction and to the paternal grandparents.

The court also ordered that the parties and the child attend an appointment with a Family Consultant to explain the orders to the child, with the paternal grandparents to participate as directed. Notations indicated a request for a specific Family Consultant to be appointed, and that the court would consider increased time with the father if he successfully completed drug rehabilitation. The orders also included particulars of obligations and consequences for contravention under the Family Law Act 1975.