Sejdak and Kaluza

In the matter of *Sejdak and Kaluza*, Justice Dessau of the Family Court of Australia was required to determine the future living arrangements and contact arrangements for the children of the marriage, Z and D. The dispute concerned the children's welfare and the appropriate orders to be made following an earlier interim order.

The central legal issues before the Court were the appropriate orders concerning the children's residence, the nature and extent of the husband's contact with the children, and the implementation of measures to ensure the children's safety and well-being. The Court also considered the need for parental education and the prohibition of certain behaviours by the parents.

Justice Dessau ordered that the children be returned to the wife's care. The Court also made detailed orders regarding the husband's time and communication with the children, including specific weekend contact and regular telephone or webcam contact. Further orders mandated that both parents attend parenting courses, including a specific course for parents of adolescents, and a post-separation parenting course. The Court also imposed restraints on both parents, prohibiting physical discipline, denigration of the other parent, discussion of proceedings with the children, and any actions to arrange the marriage of Z. The Independent Children's Lawyer was granted leave to issue subpoenas to several government and health bodies. The Court also included a fact sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravening the orders, pursuant to relevant sections of the Family Law Act.