Wu and Tsiang

In the matter of *Wu and Tsiang*, Rees J determined parenting orders concerning the child, X, born in 2005. The dispute involved the arrangements for the child's living situation, time spent with each parent, and communication between the parents regarding the child. The court also addressed the appointment of a single expert to prepare a report on the parties and the child, and the associated costs and procedures for this expert assessment.

The legal issues before the court included establishing equal shared parental responsibility, determining with whom the child would live, and outlining the specific time the child would spend with each parent during school terms and holidays. Further issues involved provisions for communication between the parents and the child, restrictions on denigrating comments, and the process for obtaining expert evidence. The court was also required to consider the appointment of a single expert, the scope of their report, and the financial responsibility for the expert's fees.

Rees J made orders for equal shared parental responsibility, with the child to live with the father. Specific time arrangements were detailed for the mother during school terms and holidays, with provisions for notice and changeovers. The court also ordered liberal telephone and electronic communication between the child and each parent, and imposed restraints on denigrating comments about each other or the child in the child's presence. Crucially, Dr AA was appointed as a single expert to prepare a report addressing numerous factors, including the child's relationship with each parent, their capacity to meet the child's needs, their mental health, and any risk of harm. The parties were ordered to cooperate with the expert and share the costs of the expert report equally.