SIDDELL & SIDDELL

In the matter of *Siddell & Siddell*, Judge Brown of the Family Court of Australia considered interim parenting arrangements for four children aged between nine and fourteen. The mother alleged a history of serious family violence by the father, which the father denied. The father sought a relaxation of existing supervision arrangements for his time with the children, while the mother sought their continuation. The father was also contesting a family violence order, though no police charges had yet been laid against him.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in the context of interim parenting orders, considering the allegations of family violence, the father's desire to increase unsupervised time, and the mother's concerns for the children's safety. The court also had to assess the relevant factors under section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) in making its interim decision.

Judge Brown reasoned that, given the serious allegations of family violence and the need for further assessment, it was in the children's best interests to discharge previous orders and establish new interim arrangements. The court ordered equal shared parental responsibility, with the children to live with the mother. The father was granted specific, supervised or facilitated time with the children, including alternate weekends and limited communication. Crucially, the court mandated attendance at a family consultant assessment and ordered both parents to undertake parenting programs, including the Circle of Security program. The parents were also restrained from denigrating each other in the children's presence or discussing the proceedings with them, and communication was to be managed through a designated app.

The court adjourned further consideration of the matter for directions in February 2021.