Cowles and Cowles

In the matter of *Cowles and Cowles*, heard by Judge Phipps, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for two children and the division of property following the breakdown of the parties' marriage.

The court was required to determine the orders concerning the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and communication. Additionally, the court needed to make orders regarding the division of the net proceeds from the sale of the former matrimonial home and the distribution of other property.

Judge Phipps ordered that the husband and wife have equal shared parental responsibility for the children, with the children to live with the wife. The children were to spend time and communicate with the husband through a detailed schedule of alternate weekends, half of all school and summer holidays, and specific Christmas arrangements, alongside reasonable telephone and electronic communication. A specific provision suspended the alternate weekend arrangements during school holidays. The court also ordered that the children be enrolled at a particular primary school. Regarding property, the net proceeds of the sale of the former matrimonial home were to be divided equally between the parties, with each party retaining other property and superannuation in their name or possession.