Neville and Neville

This matter concerned orders made by Berman J regarding the parental responsibility and time arrangements for two children, K and B. The dispute centred on the division of time between the father and mother, the costs associated with the children's travel, and various communication and information-sharing protocols between the parents.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders for equal shared parental responsibility, the specific living arrangements for the children during school terms, and the detailed schedule for the mother's time with the children during school holidays. Further issues included the allocation of travel costs, provisions for the mother's visits to Darwin, international travel arrangements, communication methods between parents and children, and the parents' entitlement to attend school and medical appointments. The court also had to address the parents' obligations regarding passport applications, the prohibition of denigration, and the exchange of contact details.

Berman J ordered that the parties have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were to live with the father during school terms, with specific, detailed arrangements for the mother's time during school holidays, varying between odd and even-numbered years. The mother was primarily responsible for the children's travel costs, subject to a contribution from the father for Christmas holidays. The orders also established protocols for international travel, including insurance and notification requirements, and ensured the children could communicate with both parents. Provisions were made for both parents to attend school and extracurricular activities, access medical records, and maintain open communication regarding the children's welfare. The court also made orders regarding the children's surname, the prohibition of denigration, and the exchange of contact information, including provisions for passport applications and renewals.