BRENT & BRENT

In the matter of *Brent & Brent*, Hartnett J considered interim parenting and property orders. The dispute involved the father's application for increased overnight time with the children, who primarily resided with the mother. The court also addressed the sale of the former matrimonial home and the payment of its outgoings.

The legal issues before the court were whether to vary the existing interim parenting orders to allow for gradually increasing time, including overnight stays, for the children with the father, while maintaining equal shared parental responsibility. Concurrently, the court was required to determine whether to order the sale of the former matrimonial home and how the associated costs should be managed pending final resolution.

The court's reasoning led to a phased increase in the children's time with the father, commencing in June 2020 and progressing through to October 2020, with specific arrangements for weekdays, weekends, and holidays. These orders aimed to facilitate a structured reintroduction of overnight stays. In relation to property, the court ordered the former matrimonial home to be listed for sale within 21 days, with specific provisions for the reserve price, agent recommendations, access, and the presentation of the property. The proceeds of sale were to be applied first to sale costs, then to discharge the mortgage, with the balance held in trust. The court also made orders regarding the removal of the husband's chattels and restrained both parties from further encumbering the property.