VALLACE & VALLACE

In the matter of *Vallace & Vallace*, Judge Mercuri considered an application concerning the parenting arrangements for five children. The dispute arose from a significant deterioration in the children's mental and psychological wellbeing since the making of final consent orders in June 2018, which had established a shared care arrangement. Compounding these issues was the parents' inability to communicate effectively for the benefit of the children.

The court was required to determine whether to discharge the existing final orders and, if so, what new parenting orders should be made. Specifically, the court needed to consider the living arrangements for the children and the allocation of parental responsibility, particularly in relation to medical decisions, given the breakdown in communication and the impact on the children's welfare.

Judge Mercuri reasoned that the existing shared care arrangement was no longer in the children's best interests due to their deteriorating wellbeing and the parents' communication difficulties. The court found it necessary to discharge the previous orders and implement new arrangements. The court ordered that the children live with the father, with specific time arrangements for the mother, including alternating weekends and significant portions of school holidays. Crucially, the father was granted sole parental responsibility for medical decisions, with the mother restrained from making appointments or signing consent forms except in emergencies, though both parents were to be kept informed of medical arrangements and were permitted to attend appointments by prior written agreement with the father.