KARRAS & MASTERSON

This matter concerned an application by the father, Karras, for permission for the parties' two children, X and Y, to travel to a specified country with him for a holiday and to celebrate his 50th birthday. The mother, Masterson, was the respondent. The proceedings were before Judge Harland.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the father's request for the children to travel internationally, and if so, under what conditions. Key issues included ensuring the children's welfare and safety during the trip, facilitating communication with the mother, and addressing the mother's concerns regarding the children's passports and the father's conduct.

Judge Harland ordered that the children be permitted to travel with the father, subject to several conditions designed to safeguard their well-being and maintain the mother's involvement. These conditions included a pre-travel medical consultation for Y, specific passport handling arrangements, restrictions on the father's proximity to certain locations listed on the DFAT Smartraveller website, and mandated communication protocols between the children and the mother. The father was also ordered to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for Y's pre-existing medical conditions, and to refrain from communicating with the mother about matters unrelated to the children's immediate health or welfare during the trip. Upon their return, the father was to provide Y's passport to the mother for safekeeping.