Spencer and Zaber

This matter concerned parenting orders for two children, X and Y, before Judge Altobelli. The dispute between the mother and the father related to the arrangements for the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, communication, health, education, and overseas travel.

The court was required to determine the extent of parental responsibility, where the children would live, and the specific times they would spend with each parent, including during school terms, holidays, and special occasions. Further issues included provisions for communication between parents regarding the children's health and education, arrangements for contact details and overseas travel, and orders restraining negative discussions about the parents in the children's presence.

The court ordered that the mother and father have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were ordered to live with the mother. Specific provisions were made for the children to spend time with the father, including alternate weekends during school terms, defined periods during school holidays with notice requirements, and specific Jewish holidays. Additional time was allocated for the father on Father's Day and other agreed times, with provisions for reciprocal time with the mother. The court also made detailed orders regarding the children's attendance at specific schools, with the father to be responsible for the fees for Y's attendance at (omitted) College. Provisions were also made for communication regarding absences from school, contact details, and overseas travel, including notice periods, travel insurance, and passport arrangements. Finally, both parents were restrained from discussing the proceedings or speaking negatively about the other parent in the children's presence.