Fells and Fells

In the matter of Fells and Fells, Rees J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parental responsibility and time arrangements for four children. The dispute concerned the arrangements for the children following the separation of their parents.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate orders for the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and parental responsibility, having regard to the best interests of the children. The court also considered the provisions of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), specifically sections 65DA(2) and 62B, relating to the particulars of obligations and consequences of contravention of orders.

Rees J ordered that the parents have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were ordered to live with the mother. Specific time arrangements were detailed for the children to spend time with the father, with variations for the three older children and the youngest child, E. These arrangements included time during school terms and school holidays, with provisions for Christmas holidays and the end of the second and third school terms. The orders also incorporated a Fact Sheet detailing the obligations, consequences of contravention, and assistance available to the parties.