Sutherland and Bright

In the matter of *Sutherland and Bright*, heard before Bennett J, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child born in September 1997. The proceedings involved applications by the parties regarding the child's living arrangements and parental responsibility.

The court was required to determine the primary issue of where the child should live and who should hold parental responsibility for the child, encompassing decisions regarding education, health, religious and cultural upbringing, name, and residence. The court also considered applications for costs and the continued appointment of an independent children's lawyer.

Bennett J ordered that the child live with the mother and that the mother have sole parental responsibility for all significant matters concerning the child. The father was ordered to contribute $800 towards the mother's costs. The appointment of the independent children's lawyer was discharged, and all other extant applications were dismissed, with the matter removed from the court's pending cases list. The reasons for judgment were directed to be transcribed and provided to the parties.