Richards and Richards

The case of Richards and Richards concerned parenting arrangements and property adjustment between the Mother and the Father. The dispute involved the children of the marriage, G and K, and the division of assets and liabilities. The matter was heard by Forrest J.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders, including the allocation of parental responsibility, the time the children would spend with each parent, and the mechanisms for communication and dispute resolution. Additionally, the court needed to make orders for the adjustment of property between the parties, including the division of vehicles, personal possessions, bank accounts, superannuation interests, and liabilities.

Forrest J made orders discharging previous parenting and spousal maintenance orders. The court ordered equal shared parental responsibility for the children, with each parent having sole responsibility for day-to-day care, welfare, and development when the children are in their care. The orders stipulated a detailed schedule for parenting time, including provisions for school terms, holidays, birthdays, and specific weekends. The court also established protocols for communication between parents and children, and for the notification of significant events and medical information. In relation to property, the Wife was ordered to pay the Husband $126,500 within 21 days and to retain certain assets and liabilities. The Husband was to retain other specified assets and liabilities. A superannuation splitting order was made in favour of the Wife concerning the Husband's interest in the M Superannuation Fund, with provisions for its operation and the right of the trustees to be heard.