Seaton and Sedgwick

The case of Seaton and Sedgwick involved an application before Judge McNab of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia concerning parenting arrangements and property settlement for the parties' two children, X and Y. The dispute centred on the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and the division of the parties' assets, including a property identified as Property H.

The court was required to determine the interim parenting orders, including where the children would live, the extent of each parent's time with the children, and the nature of their shared parental responsibility. Additionally, the court needed to address the immediate financial matters, specifically the disposition of funds from the sale of Property H, and to establish a framework for the ongoing litigation, including disclosure obligations, conciliation, and a final hearing date.

Judge McNab made orders for the children to live with the father, with the mother having specific periods of time with them, including alternate weekends and half of school holidays, with detailed provisions for changeovers and special occasions. Equal shared parental responsibility was ordered. The court also directed the father to facilitate the withdrawal of a caveat and the discharge of a mortgage on Property H, with $60,000 of the sale proceeds to be paid to the mother, and the balance held in trust pending further order. The parties were ordered to attend a Child Inclusive Conference and a Conciliation Conference, with directions for evidence filing, outlines of case, and a final hearing scheduled for 10 November 2016. The court also certified that it was reasonable for the parties to employ an advocate.