BECKLER & REDMILLS

This matter concerned parenting orders for three children of a relationship, heard by Judge Spelleken. The mother sought for all three children to live with her in Queensland, while the father sought for two of the younger children to live with him in New South Wales. The mother had a criminal history involving domestic violence.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children, specifically addressing issues of parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with each parent. Key considerations included the mother's criminal history, the stated wishes of the children, and the practicalities of interstate arrangements.

The court applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), focusing on the paramountcy of the children's best interests. The reasoning involved a careful balancing of the factors relevant to each child. The court ordered that the father have sole parental responsibility for the two younger children, X and Y, and that they live with him. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for the eldest child, Z, who was to live with her in accordance with her wishes. The court also made detailed provisions for communication and time spent between the children and the non-resident parent, including specific arrangements for school holidays and contact, and imposed restrictions on the father regarding telephone communications. Further orders addressed notification requirements for medical and educational matters, information sharing, and prohibitions on discussing adult issues with the children. The mother was also ordered to continue counselling.