Whitecross & Reilly

In the matter of Whitecross & Reilly, Cronin J considered parenting orders concerning a child born in 2002. The dispute involved the allocation of parental responsibility and the arrangements for the child's time with each parent.

The court was required to determine the extent of each parent's responsibility for making decisions regarding the child's upbringing, particularly major long-term decisions. Additionally, the court needed to establish a schedule for the child to spend time with the father, including provisions for school holidays and specific annual events, while also considering the father's entitlement to information regarding the child's welfare.

Cronin J ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for all parenting decisions, with a specific process outlined for major long-term decisions requiring communication and consideration of the father's input within a seven-day timeframe. The father was granted specific time with the child, including regular weekend contact, half of school term holidays, and a division of long summer holidays, with detailed provisions for Christmas and Father's Day. The father was also entitled to obtain information about the child's progress and medical care, and to participate in school activities, subject to certain limitations. The court also addressed electronic communication between the father and child and discharged the Independent Children's Lawyer.