Gottspiel and Rufus

In *Gottspiel and Rufus*, heard before Faulks DCJ, the dispute concerned parenting orders for three children, W, N, and A. The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in relation to their living arrangements, parental responsibility, and the use of their names.

The court's determination of the children's best interests was guided by the provisions of section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This involved considering primary considerations such as the benefit to the children of a meaningful relationship with both parents and the need to protect them from harm. Additionally, the court took into account various additional considerations, including the children's views, the nature of their relationships with each parent, each parent's willingness and ability to foster a relationship with the other parent, the likely effect of any changes in circumstances, the practicalities and expense of contact, the capacity of each parent to provide for the children's needs, and the children's individual characteristics.

The court made detailed orders regarding shared parental responsibility, including specific provisions for long-term decisions about education and health, requiring consultation between parents. It also established a detailed schedule for the children's time with each parent, including provisions for special days and school holidays. Notably, the court ordered that the children would share both parents' surnames, with specific instructions on how they would be referred to and the potential for formal changes to birth certificates.