LARA & LARA

In *Lara & Lara*, heard by Judge Brown, the dispute concerned interim parenting arrangements for two children, aged 11 and 8. The mother had relocated with the children from Adelaide to Town A following an alleged incident of violence involving her former partner, the father. The father sought orders for the children to be returned to Adelaide.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in the context of an interim hearing, specifically whether the children should be returned to Adelaide to reside with the father, or remain with the mother in Town A, pending final determination of parenting arrangements. The nature of an interim hearing, with its focus on maintaining the status quo or making necessary adjustments to protect children's welfare, was central to the court's consideration.

Judge Brown reasoned that the children's best interests necessitated their return to Adelaide. The court applied the principles governing interim parenting orders, emphasising the need for a prompt and practical resolution that prioritised the children's welfare. The alleged incident of violence was a significant factor in the court's assessment of the immediate living arrangements.

The court ordered that the mother return the children to Adelaide by 6:00pm on 3 October 2020. Pending further order, if the mother chose to reside in Adelaide, the children were to live with her, and existing orders would continue. If the mother elected not to live in Adelaide, the children were to live with the father, with the mother having specific school holiday time. The matter was adjourned for further directions and consideration of a family report.