Duff and Duff

In the matter of *Duff and Duff*, Collier J made parenting and property orders concerning the children F and G and the parties' marital property. The dispute involved the allocation of parental responsibility, living arrangements for the children, and the division of the parties' assets, specifically a property known as T Street.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children, F and G, in relation to their living arrangements and the division of parental responsibility for their long-term welfare, education, development, and religious upbringing. Additionally, the court had to determine the equitable distribution of the parties' property, including the T Street property, and the financial contributions and entitlements of each party.

Collier J ordered that existing parenting orders be discharged. The father was granted sole parental responsibility for the children's religious education, training, and upbringing, while the mother was granted sole parental responsibility for all other aspects of their long-term welfare, education, and development. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with specific provisions for the father's time with them, including alternate weekends, Wednesday evenings, and a portion of school holidays. The orders also detailed communication protocols between the parents, including the use of a communication book and restrictions on negative commentary about the other party in the children's presence. In relation to property, the wife was ordered to pay the husband $155,964 within three months. Upon payment, the husband was to transfer his interest in the T Street property to the wife. If payment was not made, the property was to be sold by private treaty, with a price determined by an independent valuer if agreement could not be reached. If a sale by private treaty failed within three months, the property was to be sold by public auction. The proceeds of any sale were to be distributed after payment of sale expenses, with the wife receiving 73% of the balance and the husband receiving the remaining balance. Each party was to be solely responsible for their own debts and entitled to their own property, with all outstanding applications dismissed.