HALSEY & JACOMBS

In the matter of *Halsey & Jacombs*, Judge Altobelli of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting arrangements and property division for the parties. The dispute involved high conflict and serious allegations, necessitating careful consideration of the child's best interests when making parenting orders. The court also addressed the alteration of property interests, requiring an assessment of contributions and future needs to ensure just and equitable orders.

The court was required to determine appropriate parenting orders that would safeguard the child's welfare in a high-conflict environment. This included establishing a framework for parental responsibility, outlining the child's living arrangements, and detailing the nature and supervision of the child's time with the father. Furthermore, the court had to make orders for the division of the parties' property, including real estate and superannuation interests, in a manner that was just and equitable.

In relation to parenting, the court made orders for the mother to have sole parental responsibility, with specific provisions for the father to be notified of major decisions. The child was ordered to live with the mother, and the father's time with the child was to be gradually increased over time, with progressively less supervision. The court also imposed strict communication protocols between the parents, including prohibitions on derogatory remarks and restrictions on questioning the child about the other parent. For property, the court ordered a payment from the husband to the wife, the refinancing of a mortgage into the wife's sole name, and the transfer of interests in properties and a motor vehicle. A specific order was made regarding the wife's entitlement to a portion of the husband's superannuation splittable payments.