Caplan and Caplan

The case of Caplan and Caplan involved a dispute between the parents concerning the living arrangements and time spent with their two children, P and R. The matter was heard by Justice Watts.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the specific arrangements for the children's time with each parent, including during school terms and holidays, and provisions for communication between the children and the non-resident parent. Further issues included restrictions on parental conduct concerning school communications, participation in children's activities, and the location of the father's residence. The court also addressed the need for therapeutic counselling for the parties and the children, and the management of future applications concerning the children.

Justice Watts applied principles of family law to establish orders that aimed to provide for the children's best interests. The court ordered that the children live with the father and detailed extensive provisions for the mother's time with them, encompassing alternate weekends, school holidays, and specific public holidays, with careful consideration for school attendance and special events. The court also imposed restraints on both parents regarding communication with the children's schools and participation in certain counselling, while mandating joint therapeutic counselling to improve communication and parental confidence. Equal shared parental responsibility was ordered, and Justice Watts was appointed to manage future applications.