MATTHEWS & FARMER

In the matter of *Matthews & Farmer*, Johnston J of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning two children, L and R. The dispute involved the father's relationship with the children, with the court ultimately making orders that significantly restricted his contact and communication.

The central legal issues before the court were the appropriate arrangements for the children's living situation, the extent of parental responsibility to be allocated, and the nature and extent of any time the children should spend with their father. The court was also required to determine the terms of communication between the father and the children, and to address specific issues relating to the children's welfare, including therapeutic assessment for L and restrictions on the mother taking the children to certain individuals or locations.

Johnston J discharged all previous parenting orders and made new orders allocating sole parental responsibility to the mother. The children were ordered to live with the mother and to spend no time with the father. The father was restrained from direct communication with the children, save for providing his contact details and sending cards, letters, photos, and gifts, which the mother was ordered to ensure the children received. The mother was also directed to facilitate a therapeutic assessment for L and was restrained from taking the children to Ms F or to the Q Health Centre, except for crisis intervention.