Grail & Grail

The case of *Grail & Grail* concerned orders made by Rose J regarding the care, welfare, and development of two children, B and C. The dispute centred on the arrangements for the children's living arrangements, decision-making responsibilities, and communication between their parents.

The court was required to determine the nature and extent of shared parental responsibility, specifically addressing long-term decision-making concerning the children's education, religion, health, and significant changes in living arrangements. Additionally, the court needed to establish clear provisions for the day-to-day care and decision-making of the children during their respective times with each parent, as well as detailed arrangements for school holidays, extracurricular activities, communication, and the notification of significant events or changes.

Rose J made orders establishing equal shared responsibility for long-term decisions regarding the children's care, welfare, and development. However, sole responsibility for day-to-day care and decision-making was allocated to the parent with whom the children were living or spending time. The orders stipulated detailed schedules for the children living with the father and mother during school terms and holidays, including specific provisions for school holidays, pupil-free days, and mid-point calculations. Further orders addressed additional time with each parent on specific occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and other agreed-upon times, as well as communication protocols between the parents and with the children. The court also made orders concerning the children's education, notification of serious injury, and the requirement for parents to participate in Family Dispute Resolution and attend a Post Separation Parenting Program. Finally, the parties were restrained from denigrating each other to the children.