Giles and Giles

In the matter of *Giles and Giles*, Rees J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the time the children would spend with each parent during the 2013/2014 Christmas school holiday period. The dispute involved the division of this holiday time between the mother and father, as well as provisions for the mother's ongoing psychiatric treatment and the conduct of both parents in relation to the children and the proceedings.

The court was required to determine the specific schedule for the children's time with each parent during the holiday period, including the arrangements for changeovers. Additionally, the court addressed the mother's compliance with psychiatric recommendations and imposed significant restraints on both parents regarding their discussions with the children about the proceedings, the disclosure of documents, and their conduct towards each other in the children's presence. The court also noted provisions for the father's ongoing time with the children on alternate weeks.

Rees J applied principles relating to the best interests of the children in determining the holiday time arrangements. The court ordered a detailed schedule for the children's time with each parent, commencing on 6 December 2013 and concluding on 27 January 2014, with specific changeover times and locations. The mother was ordered to continue attending psychiatric treatment and follow recommendations. Crucially, both parents were restrained from discussing the proceedings with the children, showing them related documents, questioning them about compliance with court orders, or denigrating the other parent or their family members in the children's presence. The court also incorporated a fact sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravening the orders.