Weatherly and Meakes

In the matter of *Weatherly and Meakes*, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning parenting orders for a child born in June 2006. The proceedings involved a dispute between the father and the mother regarding the child's living arrangements and time spent with each parent.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders that would best serve the child's interests, particularly in relation to shared parental responsibility, the child's residence, and the time the child would spend with the father. The court also needed to ensure that the parties understood their obligations and the potential consequences of contravening any orders made.

Benjamin J made orders by consent of the parties. These included orders for equal shared parental responsibility, that the child live with the mother, and specific arrangements for the child to spend time with the father each Sunday and on alternate Wednesdays and Thursdays. The court also directed that a short form of family report be prepared and that the parties and their legal advisers attend at the family consultant's office. Furthermore, the court incorporated a Fact Sheet into the orders, detailing the obligations, potential consequences of contravention, and sources of assistance for compliance, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the relevant legislation. Liberty to apply was granted to both parties on seven days' notice.