Maurice and Barry

The parties to this proceeding were Maurice and Barry, with the dispute concerning property settlement and parenting arrangements for their four children. The matter came before Judge Egan.

The court was required to determine interim financial relief, including the discharge of previous orders for periodic cash payments and credit card use, and to make orders regarding a lump sum property settlement. Additionally, the court needed to establish parenting orders, specifically addressing shared parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the exclusive use and occupation of a property known as Property A. The court also considered the appointment of a parenting expert to prepare a report on relevant factors under section 60CC of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

By consent, the court ordered the discharge of previous interim financial relief orders. A sum of $75,000 was to be paid by the Applicant to the Respondent as partial property settlement by 11 May 2018, to be drawn from a mortgage facility secured on Property A. All other interim financial relief sought by the Respondent was withdrawn. The court ordered equal shared parental responsibility for the children, with the children to live with the Applicant on a fortnightly basis during school terms and for specific halves of school holidays, and with the Respondent at all other times. Each party was granted exclusive use and occupation of Property A during the periods the children lived with them, with injunctions restraining each party from being at Property A when the children were in the other's care. The court also ordered the appointment of a parenting expert, with the Applicant to initially bear the costs of the report, subject to reimbursement from any final property order. The matter was adjourned for trial callover.