MINCHIN & MCDONALD

The parties, Minchin and McDonald, were married and have three children. Following their separation, they came before the Family Court to resolve disputes concerning parenting arrangements, parental responsibility, and property settlement. The court had to determine the best living arrangements for the children, allocate parental responsibility, and address the property division between the parties.

The primary issues were the allocation of parental responsibility and living arrangements for the children, given the allegations of parental alienation and the need to protect the children's best interests. The court also needed to decide on the division of property between the parties, considering their respective financial situations and contributions.

The court discharged all previous parenting orders and allocated the children to live with their respective parents, assigning sole parental responsibility to each parent for their respective children. The court also established detailed arrangements for the children to spend time with the non-resident parent, including specific visitation schedules and conditions to ensure the children's well-being and to prevent parental alienation. Furthermore, the court mandated therapeutic counselling for the children to assist with the transition and to address any issues arising from the separation. The court further outlined the process for selling the matrimonial home and the division of its proceeds, ensuring that any debts and costs were settled before distribution to the parties.

The court's final orders specified the living arrangements for the children, allocated parental responsibility, mandated therapeutic counselling, and detailed the process for selling the matrimonial home, ensuring the children's best interests and financial fairness between the parties.