PAILING & BAINBRIDGE

In the matter of *Pailing & Bainbridge*, heard before Judge Altobelli, the dispute concerned the parenting arrangements for three children. The mother, Ms Pailing, sought sole parental responsibility and orders for the children to live with her, while also seeking to restrain the father, Mr Bainbridge, from spending time with or communicating with the children.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in relation to their living arrangements and the extent of contact, if any, the father should have with them. A significant issue was the need to ensure the safety and welfare of the children and the mother, necessitating consideration of protective orders against the father.

Judge Altobelli reasoned that it was in the children's best interests to live with their mother and for her to have sole parental responsibility for their long-term care, welfare, and development. The court further ordered that the father should have no contact with the children. Pursuant to section 68B of the *Family Law Act 1975*, the father was restrained from contacting or approaching the mother or the children by any means, including through a third party. This restraint extended to prohibiting the father from attending within 100 metres of the mother's or children's place of residence, place of employment, or any school or educational institution attended by the children.