REED & REED

In REED & REED, the father sought equal time with the parties' two children, born in 2007 and 2010, arguing it was in their best interests. The dispute also encompassed the division of matrimonial property, specifically concerning competing values placed on the former matrimonial home. The father had reportedly refused to acknowledge factors that would support the wife's claim for a greater share of the property under section 75(2) of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for the children, including the extent of time each parent would spend with them, and to make orders regarding the division of the parties' property. This involved assessing the children's best interests in relation to time spent with each parent and valuing and distributing the matrimonial assets, particularly the former matrimonial home.

Judge Henderson ordered that the parties have equal shared parental responsibility for the children, with the children to live with the mother. Specific time arrangements were detailed for each child with the father, varying between weeks and including provisions for school holidays and birthdays. The court also made significant property orders, directing the husband to transfer his interest in one property to the wife, who was then to discharge a mortgage and pay the husband a sum of money. The wife was to retain sole interest in another property, with the husband to discharge any liabilities associated with it. In the event of the wife's non-compliance with these property orders, a detailed process for the sale of the first property was outlined, with specific disbursement priorities for the proceeds. The court also made orders regarding the return of specific items and the retention of other personal property by each party.