Godinez and Stanislaw

In the matter of *Godinez and Stanislaw*, Collier J of the Family Court of Australia considered a dispute between the parties concerning their children. The proceedings involved applications and cross-applications brought by the parties, with the Independent Children’s Lawyer playing a role in representing the children's interests.

The primary legal issues before the court were the surnames of the children and the mother's ability to travel overseas with them. The court was also required to determine the costs associated with the Independent Children’s Lawyer and to resolve all outstanding applications and issues between the parties.

Collier J made orders by consent, largely adopting the proposed orders of the Independent Children’s Lawyer. The court permitted the mother to change the surnames of the children to Godinez. Further, the mother was granted permission to travel overseas with the children, provided she gave the father at least twenty-eight days' notice of her travel plans and destinations. The court also ordered that the husband pay $4,000 towards the costs of the Independent Children’s Lawyer within twelve months. All applications and cross-applications were dismissed, and all issues were removed from the Active Pending Cases List.