SELWOOD & SELWOOD

In the matter of *Selwood & Selwood*, Justice Dawe of the Family Court of Australia considered final orders concerning the parental responsibility, time arrangements, and property settlement for the parties, Ms Selwood and Mr Selwood, and their two children. The dispute centred on the best interests of the children, particularly in light of the parents' high level of conflict and the children's expressed wish to maintain existing arrangements.

The court was required to determine whether equal shared parental responsibility and equal time with both parents were in the best interests of the children. Additionally, the court had to consider provisions for international and interstate travel with the children, including specific conditions relating to the father's involvement in sporting activities. The court also addressed the division of various properties and financial assets between the parties.

Justice Dawe ordered that the parents have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The court established a detailed schedule for the children to spend equal time with each parent during school terms and holidays, aiming to reduce the number of handovers and thereby minimise conflict. Specific provisions were made for significant dates, communication, and travel, including a restriction on the father taking the children to overseas locations during periods of his sporting involvement without the mother's consent. The court also made detailed orders regarding the property settlement, providing the wife with options to retain certain properties and outlining the financial adjustments and sale processes for other assets.