RANGAN & RANGAN (No.3)

In the matter of *Rangan & Rangan (No.3)*, heard before B. Smith J, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for the children. The mother had indicated an unwillingness to communicate with the father regarding the children's welfare.

The court was required to determine whether to grant sole parental responsibility to the father and, if so, what form of shared care arrangement would be appropriate, specifically considering an equal time arrangement.

B. Smith J reasoned that the mother's refusal to communicate with the father was detrimental to the children's best interests and the effective co-parenting necessary for their well-being. The court applied the paramount consideration of the children's best interests under the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). Given the breakdown in communication, the court concluded that sole parental responsibility for the father was necessary to ensure the children's needs were met without impediment.

The court ordered that the father have sole parental responsibility for the children and that there be an equal time shared care arrangement between the parents.