WENDLAND & WENDLAND

The matter of *Wendland & Wendland* concerned an application before Judge Vasta concerning the residence of a child and the division of the parties' property. The proceedings involved competing proposals regarding the child's living arrangements, specifically an application to remove the child interstate, and the court was required to determine the best interests of the child in light of these proposals.

The court was tasked with determining the legal issues surrounding the relocation of the child and the equitable distribution of the parties' assets and liabilities. This included assessing the impact of any proposed change in residence on the child's welfare and development, and how the parties' financial resources should be divided in accordance with the Family Law Act 1975.

By consent, the court made final orders regarding the division of property, including specific allocations of chattels and responsibility for mortgages and loans. Crucially, the court also ordered that the child be permitted to relocate with the mother, who is posted by the Australian Defence Force. Furthermore, the parties were granted equal shared parental responsibility for the child, with detailed provisions outlining communication, time arrangements during school holidays and special occasions, and the process for overseas travel and passport applications.