Wheeler and Wheeler

This matter concerned an application by the parents, Wheeler and Wheeler, regarding the parenting arrangements for their two children, X and Y. The court was required to make orders concerning the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and related matters.

The primary legal issues before the court were to determine the most appropriate orders for the children's care, welfare, and development, specifically addressing issues of equal shared parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the time each parent would spend with the children. The court also had to consider orders relating to communication between parents regarding the children's education and health, geographical restrictions on the parents' residence, and prohibitions against denigration.

Judge Newbrun made orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility for the long-term care, welfare, and development of both children. The orders stipulated that child X would live with and spend time with the parents in accordance with X's wishes. For child Y, specific arrangements were detailed for time spent with the father during school terms, including alternate weekends. School holiday arrangements were also outlined, with provisions for agreement between the parties and default arrangements for odd and even years. Further detailed orders were made concerning time spent with each parent during Christmas, Easter, and on birthdays, as well as provisions for Father's Day and Mother's Day. The court also made orders regarding changeovers, geographical restrictions on residence, communication with schools and medical professionals, notification of residence and contact details, telephone contact, and a prohibition against denigrating the other parent.