Stephens and Robins

This matter concerned parenting orders between the parties, Stephens and Robins, heard by Justice Austin. The dispute revolved around arrangements for their child, born in February 2005.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders, specifically addressing issues of parental responsibility, the child's living arrangements, and communication between the parents. The court also considered an application for costs made by the Independent Children's Lawyer.

By consent of the parties and the Independent Children's Lawyer, the court discharged all former parenting orders and made new orders in accordance with a signed Terms of Settlement document. These orders established equal shared parental responsibility, with the child living with the mother. A detailed schedule was set out for the child's time with the father, including specific days, alternate Sundays, birthdays, school holidays, and Christmas and Easter periods. Provisions were also made for communication between parents, access to medical and school information, and the exchange of contact details. The court dismissed the Independent Children's Lawyer's application for costs and vacated the hearing date.