Isaac and Isaac

In the matter of *Isaac and Isaac*, heard before Judge Harland, the applicant mother sought urgent orders concerning the welfare of the parties' three children. The dispute involved allegations that necessitated immediate intervention to ensure the children's safety and location.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the applicant leave to proceed ex parte, establish interim living arrangements for the children, and make orders regarding the father's contact pending further hearings. Crucially, the court had to consider the issuance of a Recovery Order to locate and return the children, as well as restraining orders to prevent their removal from Australia. The court also needed to address the independent representation of the children and the potential invalidity of any conflicting family violence orders.

Judge Harland applied principles under the *Family Law Act 1975*, including sections relating to recovery orders and the court's power to make orders for the well-being of children. The court granted leave to proceed ex parte, ordering that the children live with the applicant mother and that the father have no contact pending the next hearing. A significant Recovery Order was issued, directing law enforcement agencies to find and deliver the children to the mother. Restraining orders were put in place to prevent the children's removal from Australia, and their names were to be placed on a watchlist. The court also ordered independent representation for the children and specified the immediate steps to be taken by the Independent Children's Lawyer. Any existing family violence orders were deemed invalid to the extent they were inconsistent with the current orders.

The proceeding was adjourned for a mention hearing, with directions for the Registrar to provide copies of the orders to the Magistrates' Court of Victoria. The orders also detailed the consequences of contravening them and provided information on assistance for compliance.