Lawson & Hill 2013 FMCAfam 159

The case involved a 2 year old child whose parents were described as showing enormous suspicion, animosity and distrust towards each other.  The mother alleged mental illness in the father and the father doubted that the mother fostered a meaningful relationship with him.  Handovers occurred at a contact centre.

The couple had agreed by consent that after the child spent 5 hours with the father, the father would provide information in a communication book about topics including: duration of any sleep, food and fluid consumed, nappy changes, any illnesses and summary of activities.  It was agreed that the mother could write enquiries into the communication book that would be passed to staff who would pass the book on to the paternal grandfather to write replies.   The judge supported this exchange of information to comfort the mother.