Iannello and Iannello (No.7)

In *Iannello and Iannello (No.7)*, heard by Judge C E Kirton QC, the application concerned variations to final orders previously made on 23 March 2020, specifically relating to the time children, X (born 2005) and Y (born 2008), were to spend with the Respondent Husband. The dispute centred on the immediate practicalities and potential risks associated with the children's time with the Respondent Husband in light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether to vary the existing final orders concerning the children's time with the Respondent Husband. This involved considering the impact of the pandemic on the practical implementation of the orders and the welfare of the children. The court was required to balance the principle of maintaining existing parenting arrangements with the need to address emergent risks and practical difficulties.

The court reasoned that the unprecedented circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic warranted a temporary suspension of the existing contact orders. This decision was based on a pragmatic assessment of the risks and difficulties in complying with the orders as originally made, particularly concerning travel and potential exposure. The court exercised its discretion to vary the orders to provide a period of adjustment and to allow for further consideration of the matter. Consequently, the court ordered that the time X and Y were to spend with the Respondent Husband be suspended for two months from 26 March 2020, and adjourned the matter for further hearing on 9 June 2020, at which time the Applicant Wife's costs would also be determined.