BANDI & DHAWAN

The parties, Bandi and Dhawan, were involved in parenting proceedings concerning their children. The dispute centred on allegations of serious family violence made by the mother against the father, and the consequent assessment of risk to the children. The matter came before Obradovic J in the Family Court of Australia for the determination of interim parenting orders.

The primary legal issues before the Court were whether the alleged family violence posed a risk to the children, and if so, what interim parenting orders would best serve the children's interests in light of that risk. The Court was required to balance the children's right to maintain a relationship with both parents against the imperative to ensure their safety and well-being.

Obradovic J reasoned that the allegations of family violence, if substantiated, would necessitate a cautious approach to the children's time with the father. The Court applied the principles enshrined in the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly those relating to the best interests of the child and the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility, which can be displaced in circumstances of family violence. The Court considered the evidence presented by both parties regarding the allegations and the potential impact on the children.

Ultimately, the Court made interim orders for the children to spend supervised time with the father, reflecting a determination that such an arrangement was necessary to mitigate any identified risks while still facilitating a relationship between the children and their father.