VOSSEN & VOSSEN

In the matter of Vossen & Vossen, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia considered applications by the wife concerning parenting arrangements for the parties' two children and a partial property settlement. The wife sought a review of a registrar's decision and a stay of orders that would have permitted unsupervised time between the father and the children. She also sought a partial property order.

The court was required to determine the appropriate interim parenting orders, specifically whether the children should spend supervised or unsupervised time with the father, and the terms of communication between the father and the children. Additionally, the court had to make interim property orders to facilitate a partial settlement between the parties.

His Honour discharged all previous parenting orders and made new interim orders. The parties were granted equal shared parental responsibility, with the children to live with the mother. The father was ordered to have time with the children on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturday afternoons, with this time to be supervised by an agreed supervisor. The father was also to communicate with the children by telephone or Facetime at least three nights per week. The mother was restrained from directing the supervisor to restrict the father's activities or contact with others. Both parties were restrained from discussing the proceedings with the children or denigrating the other parent. The court also made interim property orders, directing that $200,000 be paid to each party from a specified bank account within seven days, or proportionally if the account balance was less than $400,000. Costs for both the parenting and property applications were reserved.