Dover and Rogers

In the matter of *Dover and Rogers*, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parental responsibility and time arrangements for two children, B and C. The dispute centred on the parents' ability to co-parent effectively, particularly in relation to the children's schooling, healthcare, and ongoing therapeutic needs.

The court was required to determine the extent of equal shared parental responsibility, the specific arrangements for the children to live with, spend time with, and communicate with each parent, and the conditions under which each parent could access information about the children's education and health. Further issues included the facilitation of contact with extended family members, the children's ongoing therapy, and the parents' obligations regarding travel and communication. The court also addressed the need for both parents to undertake anger management and post-separation parenting courses.

Benjamin J made orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility, entitling each parent to receive information from the children's school and healthcare providers, subject to therapeutic considerations. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with no orders made for the father to spend time with them. The orders detailed provisions for the exchange of cards and presents, encouraged communication with extended family, and mandated that both parents facilitate the children's ongoing therapy with Dr E, sharing the costs and receiving written feedback. The court also stipulated notice periods and communication requirements for interstate and overseas travel, prohibited denigration of either parent, and required ongoing notification of the children's care providers and significant welfare issues. Crucially, both parents were ordered to complete anger management and post-separation parenting courses within twelve months, with certificates of completion to be provided to the other parent. Leave was granted for the father to seek a change in the children's residence if the mother failed to reasonably support or promote time with the father as recommended by Dr E.