George & Nichols

In the matter of *George & Nichols*, Carew J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia considered a dispute between a mother and father concerning their child, B. The proceedings involved applications relating to parental responsibility, living arrangements, and contact between the father and the child, as well as orders concerning the father's conduct towards Ms Nichols and Ms C Nichols.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate orders for the child B, specifically regarding parental responsibility, where the child would live, and whether any time should be spent with the father. Additionally, the court had to consider whether injunctive relief was necessary to restrain the father's conduct towards B, Ms Nichols, and Ms C Nichols, including prohibitions on communication and attendance at specific locations.

Carew J made orders granting the mother sole parental responsibility for B and stipulating that B would live with the mother. Crucially, the father was ordered to spend no time with B and was restrained by injunction from initiating or causing any communication with B or attending at B's school. Further injunctions were issued restraining the father from approaching Ms Nichols or Ms C Nichols, or attending their residences or places of employment. The father was also ordered to delete images of Ms C Nichols from his devices, with an option to provide them to the Independent Children’s Lawyer for safekeeping. All outstanding applications were dismissed, and the appointment of the Independent Children’s Lawyer was discharged. The orders included a fact sheet detailing obligations and consequences of contravention.