SARRAF & ASSAF

In the matter of *Sarraf & Assaf*, heard by Bennett J, the dispute concerned parental responsibility and the living arrangements for the children of the marriage. The applicant father did not appear before the court. The respondent mother had made an ex parte application.

The court was required to determine whether to dismiss the applicant father's applications, considering the procedural fairness afforded to him. Additionally, the court had to determine the respondent mother's ex parte application and, in light of the father's non-appearance and the allegations of family violence, make orders regarding the children's residence and the father's contact.

Bennett J reasoned that procedural fairness had been accorded to the applicant father. The court dismissed the father's applications, which had the effect of discharging all previous parenting orders. The court then made orders for the wife to have sole parental responsibility for three of the children, and that these children live with the mother. Crucially, there was to be no order entitling the father to spend any time with or communicate with these children. Leave was refused to make an oral application for sole parental responsibility for the three oldest children, as it was not appropriate to proceed ex parte. The court directed that evidence be transcribed and certain documents be released for inspection and photocopying. All other extant applications were dismissed.