PAINE & SEAFORD

In the matter of *Paine & Seaford*, heard before Kelly J, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for the parties' children, specifically relating to issues of parental communication, parental responsibility, school enrolment, and overseas travel. The court was also required to consider a departure application concerning child support.

The primary legal issues before the court were: first, whether the parents were able to communicate effectively regarding the children's welfare and, if not, what orders should be made to facilitate agreement; second, how parental responsibility should be allocated in relation to decisions about the children's schooling and overseas travel; and third, whether to grant a departure order in relation to child support.

Kelly J emphasised the importance of effective parental communication and ordered that the parents attend mediation if they were unable to agree on matters concerning the children. The court clarified that both parents would share parental responsibility for decisions regarding the children's education and overseas travel, with specific provisions for consultation and agreement. All previous orders made in relation to the children were to be incorporated into the new orders. The court also addressed the child support departure application.