Nicolas & Nicolas

The case of *Nicolas & Nicolas* concerned parenting arrangements for young children. The dispute arose following mediation, where an interim resolution was reached that appeared to prioritise the parents' needs over the children's need to form secure attachments. The matter came before Bennett J.

The central legal issue before the court was whether the mediated interim parenting arrangement adequately addressed the best interests of the children, particularly in relation to their need for secure attachments. The court also considered the implications of a forthcoming family report from a private report writer and the potential for vacating a final hearing date if suitable interim arrangements were confirmed.

Bennett J's reasoning focused on the paramountcy of the children's welfare. The court indicated that the interim arrangement would be reviewed upon the publication of the family report. Furthermore, the court signalled its willingness to vacate the final hearing date scheduled for August 2021, provided the parties sought this and the court was satisfied that appropriate interim arrangements for the children were in place.