Plaskett and Plaskett

In the matter of *Plaskett and Plaskett*, heard before Justice Le Poer Trench, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for the parties' two children, K Plaskett and L Plaskett, and the division of property. The wife sought to maintain existing parenting arrangements, while the husband sought orders for equal shared parental responsibility and a significant adjustment to the children's time with each parent. The property division involved the transfer of a property, refinancing of a mortgage, withdrawal of caveats, and a payment from the wife to the husband, as well as a division of superannuation interests.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting orders for the children, considering their best interests, and to make orders for the division of the parties' property. Key legal issues included the application of the Family Law Act 1975 regarding equal shared parental responsibility and the specific time arrangements for the children, as well as the equitable distribution of assets and liabilities between the parties. The court also considered the practicalities and expenses associated with the proposed parenting arrangements and the capacity of each parent to meet the children's needs.

Justice Le Poer Trench ordered that the husband and wife have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were ordered to live with the wife at all times when not with the husband, with specific provisions detailing the husband's time with the children during school terms, school holidays, and on public holidays, including Christmas and Easter. The court also made detailed orders regarding the children's birthdays, Father's Day, Mother's Day, communication between parents, and the exchange of information regarding the children's welfare and education. Furthermore, specific orders were made concerning the husband's brother's contact with the children. In relation to property, the husband was ordered to transfer his interest in a property to the wife, who was then to refinance the mortgage and indemnify the husband. The wife was also ordered to pay a sum of money to the husband, and specific provisions were made for the division of superannuation interests. The court also included provisions for the Registrar to execute documents if a party refused to do so and set out a timeline for any applications for costs.