Backford and Backford and Anor (No 2)

This matter concerned an application before Hannam J in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, involving the parents, Mr Backford and the mother, and Mr Keys, who appears to be a father figure or step-parent to some of the children. The dispute centred on the parental responsibility and living arrangements for five children: P, B, G, C, and H. The court was required to determine the future care and welfare of these children, including who would have parental responsibility, where they would live, and the nature and extent of their time with each parent.

The court's reasoning led to a significant restructuring of the children's living arrangements and parental responsibilities. Previous orders were discharged, and Mr Keys was granted sole parental responsibility and the primary residence of P and B, while Mr Backford was granted sole parental responsibility and the primary residence of G, C, and H. The orders also detailed specific arrangements for the children to spend time with the mother, including provisions for communication, changeovers, and the facilitation of contact with siblings. Furthermore, the court imposed various restraints on the parents, including prohibitions on physical discipline, contact with a specific individual, and the consumption of alcohol while the children are in their care. The orders also included provisions for the children's well-being, such as requiring professional assistance for B and C to aid their transition, and a change of surname for B to Keys.