Epardis and Mahmoud

In the matter of *Epardis and Mahmoud*, heard before Watts J, the dispute concerned an application by the mother for authorization to remove the parties' two children from Australia for travel to Country D. The mother also sought the immediate release of the children's passports and sought orders restricting the father's ability to discuss the proceedings or the children's education outside Australia with them.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the mother's application for international travel with the children, including the release of their passports. Additionally, the court had to consider the mother's request for orders preventing the father from discussing the proceedings or overseas education with the children, and conversely, the mother's own restrictions regarding overseas education and discussing the proceedings with the children.

Watts J made orders authorizing the mother to remove the children from Australia for travel to Country D between 22 June 2013 and 14 July 2013, and to uplift the children's passports. The mother was ordered to return the passports to her lawyers upon her return to Australia, to be retained until further order or joint parental request. The court also made orders prohibiting the mother from advancing the children's education outside Australia, discussing overseas education or the proceedings with the children, and similarly prohibited the father from discussing the proceedings with the children. The costs of the application were reserved, and the matter was listed for a procedural mention.