Fitzroy & Fitzroy

This matter concerned an application by the parents of two children, L and A, regarding their future care arrangements. The dispute centred on the extent of parental responsibility and the specific time the children would spend with each parent, as well as the involvement of the paternal grandparents.

The court was required to determine the nature of parental responsibility to be afforded to the parents, the primary residence of the children, and the specific arrangements for the children's time with their father, including provisions for public holidays and school breaks. Additionally, the court had to consider the application made by the paternal grandparents for involvement in the children's lives.

Murphy J ordered that the parents have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were to live with their mother, but the father was granted significant time with them, including alternate weekends, half of all school holidays, and specific arrangements for Father's Day and Christmas. The orders also detailed changeover procedures, the father's right to receive educational and medical information, and his liberty to communicate with the children. The application by the paternal grandparents was dismissed.