Mestronov and Mestronov

In *Mestronov and Mestronov*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parenting arrangements for two children, D and S. The dispute involved the mother's time with the children and the exercise of parental responsibility, particularly in relation to their education. The court was required to determine the specific terms of the mother's time with child S, including alternate weekend arrangements during school terms, and to establish a framework for the parents to jointly exercise their parental responsibility concerning D's education.

The court's reasoning focused on ensuring the children's welfare and facilitating effective co-parenting. Bennett J varied the existing orders to grant the mother additional time with S on alternate weekends during school terms, with specific provisions for the commencement and duration of this time. Furthermore, the court addressed the need for clear communication and joint decision-making regarding D's educational matters, including work experience, overseas travel, and alternative educational pathways. To achieve this, the court mandated that the independent children's lawyer, Mr. Mulvany, facilitate communication between the parents and school principals, and ensure that the parents' joint parental responsibility in these specific areas was formally recognised and exercised with mutual written consent. The orders also clarified the process for serving documents on schools and outlined the consequences of contravening the parenting orders.