Sokolov and Roy and Anor

In the matter of *Sokolov and Roy and Anor*, Watts J of the Supreme Court of New South Wales was required to determine the parenting arrangements for four children, B, K, G, and P. The dispute concerned who should have parental responsibility and where the children should live, as well as the nature and extent of the mother's time with them.

The court was tasked with determining the most appropriate orders for the children's welfare, specifically addressing issues of sole parental responsibility, living arrangements, and the mother's contact with the children. Further considerations included the mother's interaction with a third party, Mr V, during her time with the children, and the need to prevent denigration of either party in the children's presence.

Watts J ordered that the paternal grandmother have sole parental responsibility for the children and that they live with her. The mother was granted time with the children each Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, with collection and return to occur at the paternal grandmother's residence. Crucially, the mother was restrained from bringing the children into contact with Mr V during these periods of contact. Additionally, both parties were restrained from denigrating each other within the hearing or presence of the children. The court also included a Fact Sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravening these orders, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the relevant legislation.