MCCARTHY & ARCHER

In the matter of *McCarthy & Archer*, heard by Judge Hartnett, the dispute concerned parenting orders for two children. The father's application, filed on 26 July 2017, was dismissed for want of prosecution. Consequently, all prior orders regarding the children were discharged.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting arrangements for the children, specifically considering the father's mental health and the application of section 61DA of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The primary issues revolved around who should have parental responsibility and where the children should live.

Judge Hartnett reasoned that given the dismissal of the father's application and the absence of any contrary submissions, the mother should have sole parental responsibility for the children, and the children should live with her. This decision was made in the context of an undefended proceeding, with the court proceeding to make final orders in the absence of the father's active participation. The court further ordered that all other extant applications be dismissed and the matter removed from the active case list.