OTTO & BRINDLE

In the matter of *OTTO & BRINDLE*, heard before Judge Dunkley, the dispute concerned interim parenting arrangements following the mother's unilateral relocation of the children's residence from Sydney to Melbourne. The father sought orders for the children to return to Sydney.

The central legal issue before the court was the appropriate interim parenting orders to be made, specifically considering the impact of the mother's relocation and the principle of equal shared parental responsibility. The court was required to determine where the children should reside on an interim basis and the nature of the time they should spend with each parent.

Judge Dunkley reasoned that the mother's unilateral relocation was a significant factor. Applying the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the court determined that it was in the children's best interests, on an interim basis, for them to reside in Sydney. The court ordered that the mother relocate the children's residence to metropolitan Sydney or a surrounding area by a specified date. Pending further orders, the court made orders for equal shared parental responsibility, with the children to live with the mother, and for the father to have defined time with the children each Saturday, with provisions for collection and return. The matter was listed for further directions.