Hartnett and Sampson

Watts J made interim orders concerning the living arrangements and time spent between the parties' two children, K and T, and their parents. The dispute centred on the children's residence and contact arrangements, particularly in light of the mother's potential relocation to Sydney and the children's schooling.

The court was required to determine two alternative sets of interim orders, contingent on the mother providing written notice by a specified date of her ability to reside in Sydney and ensure the daughter's punctual attendance at a particular school. The legal issues involved establishing a week-on-week-off shared living arrangement with specific changeover procedures, financial contributions towards the mother's accommodation, and detailed provisions for the children's time with each parent, including travel arrangements and holiday periods. The court also had to consider the children's schooling and preschool attendance, as well as supervision arrangements involving a step-brother.

The court's reasoning led to the creation of two distinct sets of orders. The first set, operative if the mother provided the required notice, established a shared residence arrangement, with the father contributing to the mother's accommodation and outlining specific contact and travel arrangements. The second set of orders, applicable if the mother did not provide notice, stipulated that the children would live with the father, with detailed provisions for the children spending time with the mother during school terms and holidays, including specific weekend and weekday contact arrangements and travel responsibilities. Both sets of orders included provisions for the children's schooling, preschool, and supervision, and incorporated a Fact Sheet detailing obligations and consequences of contravention pursuant to the *Family Law Act 1975*.