Christiansen and Hawk and Ors

In the matter of *Christiansen and Hawk and Ors*, heard before Judge Obradovic, the dispute concerned the parental responsibility and living arrangements for two children, [X] and [Y]. The application was brought by the maternal grandmother, Ms Christiansen, seeking orders for sole parental responsibility and that the children live with her. The respondents were identified as Ms Hawk and Mr Smith, and a third respondent.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in light of the circumstances presented. Specifically, the court had to consider whether to grant the maternal grandmother sole parental responsibility, make orders for the children to live with her, and whether to make orders for the children to spend time with the respondents. Furthermore, the court considered the need for protective orders to ensure the safety and well-being of the maternal grandmother and the children.

Applying the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975*, particularly section 68B, Judge Obradovic made orders granting the maternal grandmother sole parental responsibility for the children and that they live with her. Crucially, the court ordered that the children spend no time with the First, Second, and Third Respondents. In addition, pursuant to section 68B of the *Family Law Act 1975*, Ms Hawk and Mr Smith were restrained from approaching within 100 metres of the maternal grandmother’s residence or place of work, entering any school attended by the children, and were prohibited from assaulting, intimidating, stalking, molesting, harassing, threatening, or otherwise interfering with the maternal grandmother or the children, including through electronic means. All outstanding issues were removed from the list of cases awaiting finalisation.