Wallis and Diamond

In the matter of Wallis and Diamond, heard by Judge Riley, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child, X. The mother had filed an application on 10 October 2016, which was adjourned to a final hearing on 9 March 2017.

The court was required to determine the future parenting arrangements for X, including issues of parental responsibility, residence, and time spent with each parent. Additionally, the court needed to address the parents' capacity to co-parent, the potential impact of their conflict on X, and the appropriate measures to facilitate improved communication and insight into their parenting styles.

Judge Riley discharged all previous orders and made new orders granting the father sole parental responsibility for X, with X to live with the father. The mother was to be notified in writing of major, long-term decisions 28 days prior to their making, with an invitation for her input. Specific arrangements were detailed for X's time with his mother, including during school terms, holidays, and special occasions. The court also imposed orders for both parents to attend a Parenting Orders Program for assessment and counselling, to follow the program's recommendations, and to provide certificates of engagement and completion. Further orders addressed geographical restrictions on the father's relocation, the mother's ability to take X overseas, and a prohibition on physical discipline by either parent. The court also mandated mediation for future disputes and outlined provisions for information sharing between parents regarding X's schooling and residential details. The mother's application was otherwise dismissed.