Jeffreys and Benson

In the matter of *Jeffreys and Benson*, heard before Judge Wilson, the dispute concerned the living arrangements and time spent with the parties' two children, X and Y. The mother sought to relocate with the children, while the father opposed this move and sought orders for the children to reside with him.

The court was required to determine the primary issue of where the children should live, considering the proposed relocation by the mother. Additionally, the court needed to establish appropriate time spent arrangements between the children and both parents, both during the period of relocation and upon their potential return to Melbourne. The court also had to consider the need for independent representation for the children and the process for appointing and engaging an Independent Children's Lawyer.

Judge Wilson ordered that the children live with the mother, with the condition that she return with them to live in metropolitan Melbourne within four weeks. The mother was also ordered to provide her proposed residential address in Melbourne to the father's solicitors within three weeks. The court detailed specific time spent arrangements for the father, which varied depending on whether the children were still in Adelaide or had returned to Melbourne, and included provisions for public holidays and birthdays. The court also made orders restraining either parent from denigrating the other in the children's presence and directed the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer, outlining specific procedural requirements for their engagement and the provision of documents. The matter was listed for a final hearing.