Merritt and Richards (No 2)

In *Merritt and Richards (No 2)*, Cronin J considered parenting and property proceedings between the mother, Ms Merritt, and the father, Mr Richards. The proceedings were undefended. The dispute involved the mother seeking sole parental responsibility for the parties' three children, and orders concerning the division of limited property, with concerns raised about potential hidden assets by the father.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders, specifically whether the mother should have sole parental responsibility and whether the father should be restrained from contacting the mother regarding child contact arrangements. Additionally, the court had to determine how to divide the parties' property, given the limited assets and the father's only apparent interest being a small sum in superannuation.

Cronin J ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the children and that they live with her. The father was restrained from contacting the mother for the purpose of making arrangements for child contact, with the mother having sole responsibility for obtaining passports for the children. Regarding property, the court ordered that 100 per cent of any splittable payment from the father's superannuation interests in Q Super and AMP Retirement Savings Account Fund be paid to the mother. Each party was to retain their existing property, with any interest of the other party expunged, and each party was to be solely liable for any encumbrances on property in their possession. Monies held on trust by solicitors were to be released to the mother.