BREWSTER & BREWSTER

This case concerned final orders made by Berman J in the Family Court of Australia regarding the parental responsibility and time arrangements for three children. The dispute centred on the nature and extent of the time the husband would spend with the children, particularly in light of the family consultant's evidence and the husband's capacity to care for them.

The court was required to determine the specific arrangements for the children to live with the wife and spend time with the husband, including the frequency and duration of such time. This involved considering how the husband's time with the children should be structured, whether in block periods or more frequent, shorter durations, and how this would best serve the children's interests.

In reaching its decision, the court applied principles relating to the best interests of the children and the importance of substantial and significant time with both parents. The court considered the evidence provided by the family consultant, which informed its assessment of the husband's ability to care for the children. Ultimately, the court ordered that the children would live with the wife and spend time with the husband on alternate weekends and one intervening weeknight, with detailed provisions for holidays and special occasions. The orders also addressed property settlement and financial matters between the parties.