Maziar and Maziar

In the matter of *Maziar and Maziar*, Austin J of the Family Court of Australia determined a dispute concerning parental responsibility for two children, B and C. The proceedings involved applications by the mother, and the court was required to make orders regarding the children's upbringing and identity.

The central legal issue before the court was the allocation of parental responsibility for "major long-term issues" concerning the children. Additionally, the court had to consider whether to restrain the mother from changing the children's surname.

Austin J ordered that the mother shall have sole parental responsibility for all "major long-term issues" as defined in the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) in respect of both children. Furthermore, the mother was restrained from causing or permitting the children to be identified by any other surname. The court also directed that a Fact Sheet, detailing the obligations, consequences of contravention, and assistance available, be attached to and form part of the orders, pursuant to ss 65DA(2) and 62B of the *Family Law Act*. All other outstanding applications were dismissed, and existing orders from 14 October 2016, as amended, were to continue to apply in all other respects.