CHAVES & CHAVES

In *Chaves & Chaves*, Loughnan J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia considered interim parenting orders concerning three children. The dispute involved the father seeking increased time with the children, which the mother opposed.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether to vary the existing parenting orders to grant the father additional time with the children during school holidays. The court was required to determine the specific arrangements for the father's time with the children, particularly in relation to the Christmas school holidays, and to decide on the disposition of the parties' interim parenting applications.

Loughnan J reasoned that a variation of the existing orders was appropriate to facilitate increased time for the father. The court applied principles relating to the best interests of the children, balancing the need for the father to have meaningful time with his children against the existing arrangements and the children's welfare. The court's decision reflected a pragmatic approach to interim arrangements, aiming to provide clarity and structure for the children and parents.

The court ordered that the existing orders made on 13 June 2019 be varied pending further order to provide the father with specific periods of time with the children during the Christmas school holidays in alternate years, commencing with the 2020/2021 holidays. Otherwise, the interim parenting applications of both parties were dismissed. Leave was granted for the parties to return to court within 28 days to address the precise wording of the orders.