Mandalig and Mandalig

In the matter of *Mandalig and Mandalig*, the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning parenting orders for two children. The dispute involved the mother and father seeking to establish arrangements for the children's residence, time with each parent, and decision-making responsibilities.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting orders that would be in the best interests of the children. This included deciding on sole or joint parental responsibility, the children's primary residence, the nature and extent of the children's time with the non-resident parent, and the mother's ability to travel with the children internationally. The court also considered the discharge of an Airport Watch List order and the role of the Independent Children's Lawyer.

Judge Burchardt reasoned that it was in the children's best interests for the mother to have sole parental responsibility, with the obligation to consult the father on significant long-term decisions and consider his views, though the final decision would rest with the mother. The children were ordered to live with the mother, and their time with the father was to be determined by their wishes. The court further ordered that the mother be permitted to travel with the children both domestically and internationally for periods not exceeding four weeks overseas. The Airport Watch List order and the appointment of the Independent Children's Lawyer were discharged.