Caravaggio & Caravaggio

The case of *Caravaggio & Caravaggio* concerned an application by the mother for permission to relocate with the two children of the marriage from Melbourne to Sydney. The father opposed this relocation. The proceedings were heard by Ryan J in the Family Court of Australia.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether the proposed relocation of the children to Sydney was in their best interests, as required by the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This required the Court to consider various factors relevant to the children's welfare, including their relationships with each parent and the practical implications of the proposed move.

Ryan J determined that the relocation was not in the children's best interests. The Court found that while the children had good relationships with both parents, the mother was the primary carer. The Court's reasoning focused on the potential disruption to the children's established lives and their existing relationships in Melbourne, weighing this against the benefits of the proposed move to Sydney. The Court concluded that the disadvantages of relocation outweighed any potential advantages.

The Court ordered that the children remain living in Melbourne with the mother.