Metcalfe and Metcalfe

The parties in this matter were the mother and the father, who brought proceedings concerning their three children. The dispute centred on parenting arrangements and property settlement. The decision was made by Judge Young in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the children, including the specific times they would spend with each parent. Additionally, the court needed to address the division of certain assets, specifically a boat and trailer, and the net proceeds from the sale of the family home. The court also ordered the preparation of a family report to assist in determining the children's best interests.

In reaching its decision, the court made orders for the children to live with the mother and spend specified time with the father, detailing the schedule for school holidays and school terms. The court also made orders regarding the sale of the boat and trailer, with the proceeds to be applied towards loan arrears and then paid to the wife as partial property settlement. The net proceeds from the sale of the family home were also to be paid to the wife, with a specified amount retained for liabilities. Furthermore, the court ordered the parties and children to attend an assessment for a family report, outlining the matters the report should address, including the children's views and relevant sections of the *Family Law Act 1975*. The court also issued injunctions restraining both parties from certain behaviours towards each other in the presence of the children, from discussing proceedings with the children, and from using report contents on social media. The wife was also restrained from changing the children's residence or school without the husband's written consent. The matter was subsequently listed for trial.