O’Connor and Islington (No 2)

This matter came before Cronin J concerning parenting and property disputes between the husband and wife. The court was required to make orders regarding the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and the division of property.

The legal issues before the court included determining the nature of parental responsibility for the children, establishing a residence order for the children, and detailing the specific arrangements for the children's time with each parent, including during school holidays and special occasions. Additionally, the court was tasked with resolving the financial aspects of the separation, including the transfer of property, payment of a sum of money, and the discharge of mortgages. The court also considered child support obligations and the final determination of the parties' financial and other relationships.

The court ordered that the husband and wife have equal shared parental responsibility for their two children. The children were ordered to live with the wife. Specific detailed arrangements were made for the children's time with the husband, including alternate weekends, mid-week time, and time during school holidays and special days. The court also made consent orders regarding property, including the transfer of the B property to the wife, a payment of $135,000 from the husband to the wife, and provisions for the sale of other properties if these obligations were not met. The husband was ordered to indemnify the wife regarding certain debts and liabilities associated with the B property and the O’Connor Family Trust. The court also made orders regarding child support, departing from the administrative assessment to set an annual rate of $11,700 per child. The parties were noted to intend that these orders finally determine their financial and other relationships.