Stiles & Anor and Spence & Anor

In the matter of *Stiles & Anor and Spence & Anor*, Berman J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia considered a dispute concerning the parenting arrangements for a child, B, born in 2007. The proceedings involved applications by the parties regarding the child's living arrangements and parental responsibility.

The central legal issues before the court were the determination of who should have sole parental responsibility for decisions concerning the child's major long-term care, welfare, and development, and with whom the child should live. The court was also required to consider the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer.

Berman J ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for decisions regarding the child's major long-term care, welfare, and development, and that the child live with the mother. Consequently, the order appointing an Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged. The court also directed that particulars of the obligations created by these orders, the consequences of contravention, and information on assistance for compliance be provided in an annexed document, pursuant to sections 62B and 65DA(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).