CHADWELL & RATTRAY

In the matter of *Chadwell & Rattray*, heard before Judge Terry, the dispute concerned parenting orders for three children, X (born 2008), Y (born 2009), and Z (born 2015). The proceedings were conducted in the father's absence.

The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the children, the allocation of parental responsibility, the extent of the father's time with and communication with the children, and whether injunctive relief was necessary for the children's protection.

Applying the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975*, the court ordered that the children live with the mother and that she have sole parental responsibility. Crucially, the father was ordered to spend no time with and have no communication with the children. Furthermore, pursuant to section 68B of the Act, an injunction was granted restraining the father from removing the children from any school, day care centre, extra-curricular activity, or the care of any person designated by the mother, for the protection of the children. The court noted that these orders were made in the father's absence and that any future application by him would require him to demonstrate a significant change in circumstances and address allegations of family violence, drug use, and alcohol abuse.