Sherrin & Sherrin

In *Sherrin & Sherrin*, Stevenson J determined parenting and property matters between the parties. The dispute concerned the living arrangements for the children, D, Y, and B, and the division of the parties' assets, including a property and superannuation interests.

The court was required to consider the best interests of the children, specifically whether a week-about living arrangement for B with his father was appropriate, and to make orders regarding the sale of the parties' property and the distribution of proceeds, as well as the division of superannuation. The court also had to address the emotional and practical needs of the children in light of the parental dispute.

Stevenson J applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly sections concerning the best interests of the child, including the likely effect of any changes in circumstances, the practical difficulty and expense of spending time with a parent, and the capacity of each parent to provide for the child's needs. The court found that a week-about arrangement for B would expose him to negativity from his father towards his mother and potentially lead to a lack of structure and routine. The mother was found to be more available to care for B due to the father's work and religious commitments. The court also noted concerns about the extent to which B would be involved in religious activities with his father and the arrangements for his care during those times.

The court ordered that existing parenting orders be discharged and that the parties have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. B was ordered to live with the mother, with specific periods of time to be spent with the father. The father was also ordered to arrange for Y to attend therapy with the mother. In relation to property, the court ordered the sale of the R property and the distribution of proceeds, with the wife to receive 56% of the balance. The wife was also entitled to a portion of the husband's superannuation interest. The parties were also ordered to become joint trustees of certain Commonwealth Bank accounts.