Gerald and Gerald

In the matter of *Gerald and Gerald*, Bell J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parental responsibility and time arrangements for two children, K and E. The dispute involved the mother and father of the children, with the court tasked with determining how the children would live, spend time with each parent, and how parental responsibilities would be shared.

The court was required to determine the nature of parental responsibility, specifically whether it should be equal shared parental responsibility. Further, the court had to establish the living arrangements for the children and the specific time each parent would spend with them, including arrangements for school terms, school holidays, and significant dates such as Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and the children's birthdays. The court also needed to address communication protocols, changeover arrangements, travel costs, and the exchange of information regarding the children's welfare and medical needs. Finally, the court was to consider provisions regarding the children's surname, counselling, and the consequences of contravening the orders.

Bell J ordered that the mother and father have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with the father to spend time with them during specified periods, including alternating weekends during school terms and half of all school holidays. Detailed provisions were made for communication, including weekly telephone calls, and for special occasions such as Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and the children's birthdays, with specific alternating arrangements. The court also mandated that the children be known by the surname Gerald and prohibited either parent from denigrating the other in the children's presence. Provisions were included for ongoing counselling for the children, with both parents to share the costs, and for the discharge of the Independent Children's Lawyer upon satisfaction of her role. The orders also incorporated a fact sheet detailing the obligations, consequences of contravention, and available assistance.