Daniel and Ibarra

In the matter of *Daniel and Ibarra*, heard before Judge Betts, the dispute concerned parenting orders for two children, [X] and [Y]. The court was required to determine the future parenting arrangements for the children, including issues of parental responsibility, living arrangements, and the extent of the father's contact with them.

The central legal issues before the court were the best interests of the children in light of the circumstances presented, and the appropriate orders to ensure their safety and wellbeing. This involved considering whether to discharge existing parenting orders and what new orders, including injunctions, were necessary to protect the children and the mother.

Judge Betts ordered the discharge of all prior parenting orders. The court found that the Mother should have sole parental responsibility for the children and that they should live with her. Crucially, pursuant to s.68B of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the Father was ordered to spend no time with and have no contact with the children. Further protective measures were implemented through injunctions, restraining the Father from coming within 100 metres of any school attended by the children, any residence where the Mother and children live, or any place of employment of the Mother or children. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was directed to explain these orders to the child [X] within seven days, after which their role would be discharged.