SUMNER & BROAD

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Judge Riley in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The dispute involved the mother and father of a child, X, regarding arrangements for X's residence, time spent with each parent, and parental responsibility. The court was required to determine the specific terms of these arrangements, including provisions for holidays, birthdays, and communication between the parents.

The court was tasked with establishing a comprehensive parenting order that addressed the practicalities of X's living arrangements and time with each parent. Key issues included defining the extent of sole parental responsibility, specifying X's primary residence, detailing the schedule for X's time with the father, and outlining communication protocols between the parents regarding X's well-being and education. The court also had to consider provisions for interstate travel and the conduct of each parent in relation to the other and X.

Judge Riley made orders by consent, granting the mother sole parental responsibility for X, with the condition that she notify the father 30 days in advance of any major long-term decisions. X was ordered to live with her mother. The court then set out a detailed schedule for X's time with her father, encompassing alternate weekends, mid-week time, school holidays, and specific dates such as Father's Day, birthdays, and Christmas. Provisions were also made for communication about health issues, school matters, and interstate travel. The mother was ordered to undertake an anger management course. The court also made orders regarding the costs of various experts who gave evidence at the trial.