Shakespeare and Colonel

In the matter of *Shakespeare and Colonel*, Bell J of the Family Court of Australia considered a dispute concerning the parenting arrangements for three children, B, C, and D. The primary issue before the Court was to determine the living arrangements and parental responsibility for these children, as well as the nature and extent of the father's time with them.

The Court was required to determine the appropriate orders regarding the children's residence, the allocation of parental responsibility, and the specific arrangements for the father's time with the children. Further issues included the continuation of the Independent Children's Lawyer's appointment, the process for handling allegations of abuse or contravention, and the need for counselling for the children and compliance with recommendations regarding such counselling.

Bell J ordered that the children B, C, and D live with the mother and that she have sole parental responsibility. The father was ordered to spend time with the children on alternate weekends at the E Town Contact Centre, with the Independent Children’s Lawyer having liberty to consider supervisors for extending this time. The appointment of the Independent Children’s Lawyer was continued for twelve months, with specific directions for reporting allegations of abuse or contravention to appropriate authorities. The Court also ordered that child B attend counselling as soon as practicable, arranged by the Independent Children’s Lawyer, and that the mother comply with any recommendations for the children's counselling. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was granted liberty to relist the matter on seven days' notice.