Norton and Norton

In the matter of *Norton and Norton*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia considered consent orders proposed by the parties concerning parenting arrangements and property settlement. The dispute involved the parents' arrangements for their son and daughter, including issues of equal shared parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with the husband. The parties also sought to resolve their financial relationship, including the former matrimonial home, a farm property, vehicles, and various debts and assets.

The court was required to determine the terms of the final orders, which were to be based on Minutes of Consent Orders agreed to by the parties. These minutes addressed the specifics of the children's living arrangements and time with each parent, including detailed provisions for weekend and holiday contact, school involvement, and communication between parents. The court also had to consider the division of property, including the former matrimonial home and a farm property, and the allocation of responsibility for various financial liabilities.

Bennett J made final orders in terms of the Minutes of Consent Orders signed by the parties. These orders established equal shared parental responsibility for the children, with the children to live with the wife and spend time with the husband according to a phased schedule. The orders also stipulated conditions for the husband's time with the children, including the repair of a verandah and responsibility for after-school care costs if required. The court also made detailed orders regarding the property settlement, including the transfer of interests in the former matrimonial home and the farm property, the refinancing of mortgages, and the indemnification of each party for specific debts. The parties were also restrained from denigrating each other and were ordered to complete a post-separation parenting course. The court noted the parties' intention that these orders would finally determine their financial relationship.