ZABALA & MEADOW

In the Family Court of Australia, Judge Hartnett considered parenting and property orders in an undefended matter between Zabala and Meadow. The dispute involved one child of the relationship, with the mother residing overseas. The father sought orders for sole parental responsibility, the child to live with him, and specific arrangements for communication and decision-making regarding the child. In relation to property, the father sought orders concerning real property, mortgages, and other assets.

The court was required to determine whether to make parenting orders granting the father sole parental responsibility and the child to live with him, considering the provisions of section 61DA of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). Additionally, the court needed to consider whether the proposed property orders were just and equitable, as required by section 79(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

The court made parenting orders granting the father sole parental responsibility for the child, permitting him to apply for an Australian passport for the child without the mother's consent, and directing the child to live with the father. The orders also stipulated that the father must notify the mother of long-term decisions, facilitate communication between the child and mother, and provide the mother with educational and medical information. In respect of property, the court ordered that the husband retain exclusive interest in Property K, be solely liable for its mortgage, and indemnify the wife against such liability. The wife was to retain exclusive interest in property purchased in her name overseas and any refund of deposit monies. Further orders clarified the parties' entitlements to superannuation, other employment-based entitlements, personal property, bank accounts, and insurance policies, and severed any joint tenancies.