Wattel and Evans

The parties in this matter were Wattel and Evans, with Murphy J presiding in the Family Court of Australia. The dispute concerned parenting arrangements for a child, T, born in August 2002. The proceedings concluded by consent, with the court making orders reflecting the agreement reached between the parties.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of parenting orders concerning the child's residence, time spent with each parent, and various ancillary matters. These included provisions for changeovers, restrictions on the father's ability to issue further proceedings or contact certain agencies, and restraints on the father's contact with the mother and other individuals. The orders also addressed the child's education, medical care, and communication between the parents.

Murphy J made orders by consent, discharging all extant orders and establishing that the child would live with the mother. The father was granted specific time with the child during school terms and holidays, with detailed provisions for changeovers. Crucially, the father was restrained from issuing further proceedings concerning the child for a period and from contacting certain agencies. He was also restrained from contacting the mother, R Evans, or his family, and from allowing the child to contact PW. The orders further stipulated arrangements for the child's schooling and medical care, and outlined communication protocols between the parents, including limitations on email correspondence. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged and authorised to serve copies of the orders on relevant authorities.