Graves and Laguna

This matter concerned an application by the mother for relocation with the children to Town A, opposed by the father. The court, presided over by Judge Williams, was required to make orders regarding the children's immediate living arrangements, the preparation of a Family Report, and directions for the final hearing.

The primary legal issues before the court were the children's best interests in the context of a proposed relocation, the specific matters to be addressed in a Family Report pursuant to section 62G(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), and the procedural steps necessary for a final hearing, including the filing of affidavits and outlines of case. The court also considered the implications of sections 60CC, 61DA, and 65DAA of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) in relation to the children's welfare.

The court ordered the mother to return the children to Melbourne within four weeks, where they were to be re-enrolled in their primary school and the father was to resume spending time with them as per existing consent orders. A Family Report was to be prepared by a Family Consultant, addressing the children's views, the factors outlined in sections 60CC, 61DA, and 65DAA of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the likely effect of proposed orders, and any other matters relevant to the children's welfare. Directions were also given for the filing of affidavits and outlines of case for the final hearing, which was adjourned to a date in May 2019. All interim applications were dismissed.