Stanton and Stanton

In the matter of *Stanton and Stanton*, heard by Bennett J, the applicant mother sought final orders concerning the children L, B, and H. These orders included sole parental responsibility for the children, that they reside with her, and that any time or communication between the children and the father be reserved. The court also made directions regarding the distribution of a psychiatrist's report and vacated previously scheduled pre-trial conference and final hearing preparations.

The central legal issue before the court was the determination of final parenting orders, specifically addressing parental responsibility, residence, and the nature of contact or communication between the children and their father. This determination was to be made in light of the father's stated intention to withdraw his application and seek no orders for time or communication with the children.

Bennett J's reasoning, as evidenced by the orders made, reflects an acceptance of the father's withdrawal of his application. The court noted the father's solicitor's advice that her client wished to withdraw his application and sought no orders entitling him to spend time with, or communicate with, any of the children. Consequently, the court adjourned the matter for final orders to be made as sought by the mother, with a clear indication that if the father did not appear on the adjourned date, final orders could be made without his further input. The court also directed the distribution of a psychiatrist's report and made consequential orders vacating previous hearing preparations.