Tinks and Barrow

This matter concerned parenting orders sought by the mother and father regarding their child, X. The dispute centred on the extent of parental responsibility and the specific arrangements for the child's time with each parent. The case was heard by Judge Burchardt.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders for parental responsibility, including whether the mother should have sole parental responsibility. Furthermore, the court needed to establish a detailed schedule for the child's time with both parents, encompassing regular weekend contact, holiday arrangements, and communication methods, while also considering specific periods where the father's time might be suspended.

Judge Burchardt made orders granting the mother sole parental responsibility for the child, with the obligation to inform the father of any major long-term decisions. The child was ordered to live with the mother. The court then set out a comprehensive schedule for the child's time with the father, including alternate weekends during school terms, specific arrangements for Christmas and Father's Day, block periods during school holidays, and weekly communication. The father's alternate weekend time was to continue during holidays unless otherwise agreed, with a provision for the mother to have a 21-day block in January, subject to make-up time for the father. Certain periods were also specified where the father's time with the child would be suspended, including around Mother's Day, Christmas, and the child's birthday. The court also made orders regarding changeover locations and discharged the Independent Children's Lawyer. The orders included particulars of obligations and consequences of contravention pursuant to the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).