Rose and Barwon (No 2)

This matter came before Barry J concerning parenting arrangements for two children, D and T. The dispute centred on the living arrangements for the children and the terms of their time with each parent, as well as parental responsibility for long-term decision-making.

The court was required to determine the specific orders regarding where the children would live, the allocation of parental responsibility for their long-term care, welfare, and development, and the detailed schedule for the mother's time with the children, including communication arrangements. Further issues included provisions for facilitating communication between the children and the non-resident parent, arrangements for changeovers, and protocols for information sharing regarding the children's health, education, and general welfare. The court also addressed undertakings regarding costs and the provision of information about the consequences of contravening the orders.

By consent of the parties, the court ordered that the children live with the Father and that both parents share equal parental responsibility for long-term decisions. A comprehensive schedule was established for the Mother's time with the children, encompassing school holidays, weekends, and specific public holidays, along with detailed provisions for telephone and letter communication. The orders also stipulated that each parent would facilitate the children's communication with the other, respect each other's privacy and speak respectfully in the children's presence, and keep each other informed of significant matters concerning the children. The court further ordered that the Mother pay the Father's costs fixed at $15,000, and annexed a document detailing the obligations, consequences of contravention, and sources of assistance related to the parenting orders.