WESTER & WESTER

In the matter of Wester & Wester, Cleary J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parenting arrangements for two children, S and R. The proceedings involved the mother and father of the children, who sought to resolve disputes regarding their care and welfare.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting orders for the children, considering the principles of equal shared parental responsibility and the children's best interests. Key issues included the allocation of day-to-day care, the division of time between parents, and the arrangements for significant dates such as holidays and birthdays. The court also addressed the need for psychological and medical support for one of the children, R, and the communication protocols between the parents regarding the children's well-being and schooling.

Cleary J applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly sections relating to parental responsibility and the best interests of the child. The court discharged all previous parenting orders and established equal shared parental responsibility for both children. The orders stipulated that each parent would be responsible for decisions regarding the children's day-to-day care, welfare, and development when the children were with them. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with specific, detailed arrangements for the father's time with them, including alternate weekends, mid-week time for R, and a division of school holidays and Christmas periods. The court also made orders regarding parental communication, attendance at school activities, and the organisation of extra-curricular activities, along with specific provisions for R's psychological and medical consultations.

The court ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. The mother and father were granted equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were to live with the mother, with detailed provisions for the father's time with them. Further orders addressed communication between the parents, extra-curricular activities, and specific arrangements for R's psychological and medical treatment, including consultation with the Independent Children's Lawyer. All outstanding applications were dismissed.