FAWAZ & SALEH

In the matter of FAWAZ & SALEH, Baumann J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia determined the parenting arrangements for three children. The dispute concerned the allocation of parental responsibility and the primary residence of the children, as well as the nature and extent of the children's time and communication with each parent.

The court was required to determine who should have sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues concerning the children, where the children should live, and the specific arrangements for the children to spend time and communicate with each parent. The court also considered the role of the Independent Children's Lawyer.

Baumann J ordered that the father have sole parental responsibility for all major long-term issues concerning the children. The court further ordered that the children live with the father and spend time with the mother as agreed in writing between the parents. Specific provisions were made for regular communication between the children and the mother via video call, as well as for ad hoc communication at the children's request, with the father to facilitate these interactions. Both parents were ordered to keep each other informed of their contact details and any changes, and the father was directed to inform the mother of significant events and emergencies concerning the children. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.