Vance and Vance

This matter came before Watts J concerning the financial and parenting arrangements for the parties' three children. The dispute involved the sale of the former matrimonial home and the distribution of its net proceeds, as well as orders regarding the children's living arrangements, time with each parent, and related matters.

The court was required to determine issues concerning the division of matrimonial property, specifically the sale of the former matrimonial home and the allocation of sale proceeds. Additionally, the court had to make orders regarding the children's welfare, including their residence, the nature and extent of their time with each parent, and the responsibilities of each parent in relation to their long-term care, welfare, and development. The court also addressed specific concerns raised by the parties, including allegations of the husband's conduct.

By consent, the court ordered the immediate sale of the former matrimonial home, with specific directions for the distribution of the net proceeds, including initial equal payments to each party and the balance to be held in an interest-bearing account. Pending further order, the court made orders for equal shared parental responsibility, with the children to live with the Wife. The Husband was granted supervised time with the children, with specific provisions for holidays and weekends, and was to reside in the former matrimonial home while the children spent time with him. The court also imposed restraints on both parties, including the Husband being restrained from exposing the children to pornography and from setting up listening devices, and the Wife being restrained from moving the children from their current school. The children were to be independently represented, with a request made for the Legal Aid Commission of Victoria to arrange such representation. The matter was adjourned for further consideration.