Bevins & Bevins

In the matter of *Bevins & Bevins*, heard in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Justice McNab made orders concerning the parenting arrangements for the parties' two children, X (born 2008) and Y (born 2010). The dispute involved the mother, Ms Bevins, and the father, Mr Bevins, seeking final parenting orders.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children, specifically regarding parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with each parent. Key issues included the impact of past family violence on the children and the parents' respective capacities to meet the children's needs, particularly in light of concerns raised in a Family Report. The court also had to consider the educational needs of the children and the father's engagement with psychological support.

Justice McNab's reasoning led to orders that discharged all previous parenting arrangements. The mother was granted joint parental responsibility with the ultimate decision-making authority on health and education matters, following consultation with the father. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with specific provisions for communication with the father. Time spent with the father was to commence after an initial period and was contingent on his engagement with a psychologist, with detailed arrangements for supervised and unsupervised time, including changeover locations. The father was also ordered to attend psychological counselling to address issues identified in the Family Report.

The court made detailed orders concerning the children's schooling, including enrolment at specific schools and the provision of educational records. Injunctions were granted against both parents restraining them from denigrating the other parent in the presence of the children and from discussing the proceedings with them. Further orders addressed the father's communication with the children and his proximity to their schools for an initial period, as well as the provision of information regarding the children's health and educational services. The court also made orders for the mother to engage counselling services for herself and the children, and for a Family Consultant to speak with the children about the orders.