Henley and Marple

In the matter of *Henley and Marple*, heard by Cohen J, the applicant wife and respondent husband sought orders concerning the parental responsibility and living arrangements for their three children. The dispute centred on how the parents would share responsibility for the children's upbringing and the practicalities of their day-to-day care following separation.

The court was required to determine the extent to which the parents should have equal shared parental responsibility, and whether there should be any carve-outs for specific decision-making areas. Furthermore, the court needed to establish a detailed schedule for the children's living arrangements, including during school terms, school holidays, and specific public holidays, as well as provisions for communication between the children and the non-resident parent.

Cohen J made orders granting equal shared parental responsibility for the children, with the exception that the applicant wife would have sole parental responsibility for decisions regarding the children's schooling and any behavioural or psychological counselling. The court also ordered that the children live in alternate weekly periods with each parent during school terms and most school vacations, with specific arrangements for Christmas holidays and Father's Day/Mother's Day. Provisions were also made for telephone contact between the children and the respondent husband. Costs were reserved.