Bagnell and Kadar (No. 2)

In the matter of *Bagnell and Kadar (No. 2)*, Gill J of the Family Court of Australia considered orders concerning the parental responsibility and living arrangements for two children. The dispute involved the parents' differing views on how the children should be cared for and where they should reside.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders for shared parental responsibility, specifically in relation to the children's education, and to establish a detailed schedule for the children's living arrangements between the parents. This included defining the specific times the children would spend with each parent, both during school terms and school holidays, and addressing special occasions such as birthdays, Mother's Day, Easter, and Christmas.

Gill J amended existing orders to grant the parties equal shared parental responsibility for the children's care, welfare, and development, with the exception that the father would have sole parental responsibility for their education. Specific provisions were made to ensure the mother remained informed and involved in educational matters. The court also established a phased approach to the children's living arrangements, initially implementing an equal time arrangement until January 2018, and thereafter transitioning to a primary residence with the father, with significant time spent with the mother. Detailed provisions were made for changeovers and the allocation of time during school holidays and special days. The matter was subsequently transferred to the Federal Circuit Court for further hearing.