TAIT & HOWSE

This matter concerned an application by the Applicant father and the Respondent mother regarding their child, X. The court was required to make orders concerning parental responsibility, the child's living arrangements, and the time the child would spend with each parent.

The court was tasked with determining the appropriate orders for equal shared parental responsibility, the child's primary residence, and the specific arrangements for the father's time with the child, both immediately following the orders and from a future date. Additionally, the court needed to consider provisions for communication between the parents and the child, dispute resolution mechanisms, and restrictions on parental conduct while the child is in their care.

In its determination, the court ordered equal shared parental responsibility, with all major long-term decisions to be made jointly. The child was ordered to live with the mother. Detailed provisions were made for the father's time with the child, outlining specific periods including alternate weekends, school holidays, birthdays, and public holidays, with variations to these arrangements scheduled to commence from 1 January 2017. The orders also included provisions for the father to collect and return the child, the suspension of the father's time on certain occasions, and the ability for the non-resident parent to communicate with the child via Skype or telephone. Further orders addressed mediation for dispute resolution, restrictions on alcohol and drug use, and prohibitions against parental abuse or criticism of the other parent in the child's presence. The parties were also ordered to keep each other informed of their contact details, the child's health and schooling, and to facilitate the other parent's involvement in the child's activities.