Candello and Parnell and Anor

This matter concerned an application by Ms Candello, the maternal grandmother, seeking orders for the children, X and Y, to spend time with her. The proceedings were heard in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia by Judge Dunkley.

The central legal issue before the court was whether it was in the best interests of the children, X and Y, for them to have contact with their maternal grandmother, Ms Candello. This required the court to consider the nature of the relationship between the children and Ms Candello, and the potential impact of any orders on the children's welfare.

Judge Dunkley ultimately made orders permitting Ms Candello to communicate with the children by sending letters and gifts on specific occasions, including birthdays and Christmas, and on two other occasions per year. The father was ordered to facilitate the delivery of these items to the children and to assist them in writing acknowledgments to Ms Candello. The court dismissed the substantive applications filed by the parties, indicating that the limited communication ordered was the extent of the orders made in this matter.