Saunders and Byron

In *Saunders and Byron*, heard by Barry J, the proceedings concerned parenting orders relating to three children. The father sought orders for the children to live with him and for the mother to be restrained from spending time with or communicating with the children, and from approaching their schools or other venues where they might be.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting arrangements for the children, considering the father's application for sole residence and the significant restrictions sought against the mother. The court also needed to consider the need for psychiatric assessments of both parents and counselling for the children and father.

Barry J ordered that the children live with the father and be returned to him immediately. Crucially, the mother was restrained from spending any time with or communicating with the children, and from approaching their schools or any venue where the children might be. The court further ordered that both parents attend psychiatric assessments and that the children and father attend counselling. The proceedings were adjourned for further consideration.