Thon & Saelim

In the matter of MLC 10983 of 2018, Mr Thon (the Father) and Ms Saelim (the Mother) were parties to proceedings concerning parenting arrangements for their child, X. The dispute centred on the future care and upbringing of X, born in 2016. The orders were made by O'Shannessy J on 20 August 2021.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders, specifically addressing issues of parental responsibility for major long-term decisions, the child's living arrangements, and the nature and extent of the Father's time with the child. Additionally, the court considered orders relating to the child's passport and removal from an airport watchlist.

O'Shannessy J ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. The Mother was granted sole parental responsibility for X's education, health, and religious and cultural upbringing, with specific requirements for her to inform and consider the Father's input on major long-term decisions. X was ordered to live with the Mother, and the Father's time with X was to be limited to four times per year, professionally supervised, with the Father to nominate the service and bear all associated costs. The Mother was permitted to obtain X's passport without the Father's consent, and any order placing X on the airport watchlist was discharged. The Independent Children's Lawyer's appointment was discharged upon the provision of the orders and reasons.