Sarkis and Yeo

In the matter of Sarkis and Yeo, Rees J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the living arrangements and time spent with the children B, C, and D. The dispute centred on the parental responsibilities and the children's welfare following separation.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the specific arrangements for the father's time with them, including during school terms and holidays, and conditions attached to that time. Further issues included the father's ability to travel overseas with the children, communication protocols between the children and the mother, and specific behavioural requirements for both parents to ensure the children's well-being and to prevent denigration of either parent.

Rees J applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly sections concerning parenting orders and the best interests of the child. The court ordered that the children live with the mother and detailed specific arrangements for the father's time, including supervision by his parents or another adult family member when the children are with him. Conditions were imposed regarding overseas travel, requiring the provision of travel documents and itineraries, and specific requirements for sleeping arrangements and daily communication with the mother. The court also issued restraining orders against the father regarding showering with one of the children and imposed obligations on both parents to refrain from denigrating each other in the children's presence.

The orders made were interim, pending further order, and included a fact sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravention, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).