Terry and Keeler

This matter concerned a dispute between Ms Keeler and Mr Terry, the parents of a child born in June 2006. The proceedings were before the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine orders concerning the parental responsibility for the child, the arrangements for the child to spend time with each parent, and related matters including communication between the parents and geographical restrictions on the child's residence.

The court ordered that Ms Keeler have sole parental responsibility for the child, subject to specific provisions requiring her to inform Mr Terry about the child's medical issues, schooling, and major life events. Mr Terry was to be provided with information by the child's school and medical practitioners upon request. The court also ordered that the child live with Ms Keeler and detailed a comprehensive schedule for the child to spend time with Mr Terry, which varied over time and included specific arrangements for holidays and birthdays. Ms Keeler was restrained from changing the child's place of residence from the Australian Capital Territory/Queanbeyan, New South Wales district without Mr Terry's agreement or a further court order, though she was permitted to travel with the child to Queensland for limited periods. The court also mandated the use of a communications book between the parents and ordered them to attend counselling.