Fenrich and Safor

In the matter of *Fenrich and Safor*, Baumann J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent between the parents and their two children, X and Y. The dispute centred on the arrangements for the children's care and upbringing following the breakdown of the parents' relationship.

The court was required to determine the extent of parental responsibility each parent would hold, where the children would live, and the specific arrangements for the children to spend time with each parent, including during school terms, holidays, and special occasions. Further issues included provisions for communication between the parents, decision-making regarding schooling and medical care, and mechanisms for dispute resolution. The court also addressed the children's privacy, the prohibition of denigration, and the process for international travel.

Baumann J ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the children, with specific procedural requirements for the father to be notified and consulted on major long-term decisions, except in emergencies. The children were ordered to live with the mother. The father was granted significant time with the children, particularly during periods when he was not working, with detailed provisions for alternate weekends and school holidays, subject to his availability and notification requirements. The orders also stipulated specific arrangements for special occasions, telephone communication, changeovers, schooling, medical care, and international travel, aiming to ensure the children's best interests were met while facilitating ongoing involvement of both parents.

The court discharged all previous parenting orders and dismissed all outstanding applications. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged after arrangements were made for the orders to be explained to the children.