Liddell and Liddell

This matter concerned competing applications for parenting orders between the parties, Mr and Mrs Liddell, heard by Judge Brown. The dispute centred on the arrangements for the children of the marriage, X and Y.

The court was required to determine the legal issues surrounding the children's living arrangements, the extent of time the father would spend with them, and the allocation of parental responsibility. Additionally, the court needed to address the process for obtaining a family assessment to inform its decision-making.

Judge Brown made orders for equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were ordered to live with the mother, and specific arrangements were set out for the father to spend time with them during school terms and holidays, including provisions for Christmas. The court also ordered that a family assessment be carried out, with the costs to be borne equally by the parties, and that the parties cooperate in facilitating this assessment. The matter was adjourned for further consideration and a final hearing was fixed.