SULLIVAN & DICKENS

This matter concerned an application before Macmillan J in the Family Court of Australia, involving the parents, Sullivan and Dickens, and their child, B. The dispute centred on the arrangements for the child's time with each parent during the Christmas school holiday period of 2016/2017.

The court was required to determine the specific schedule for the child's time with each parent during the holiday period, including the commencement and conclusion of those periods, and to make orders regarding communication between the child and the non-resident parent. Additionally, the court considered an application for an order restraining the parents from physically chastising or disciplining the child.

Macmillan J made orders by consent regarding the holiday parenting arrangements, detailing specific dates and times for the child to spend with the father and mother, respectively. These orders suspended the operation of previous arrangements during the holiday period and stipulated that they would recommence at the start of the school term. The court also ordered that changeovers would occur at a specific location. Furthermore, by consent, the parents were restrained from physically chastising or disciplining the child. The court also dismissed all interim applications, ordered the filing of financial statements by both parents, and adjourned extant applications for final orders for a directions hearing.