STEGGALL & BAUER

In the matter of Steggall & Bauer, heard before Watts J, the dispute concerned the parental responsibility and living arrangements for two children, B and C. The paternal uncle sought orders regarding parental responsibility, the children's residence, and their ability to travel internationally and obtain passports. The existing orders, which favoured the mother for the children to spend time with her, were to be discharged.

The court was required to determine who should have parental responsibility for the children, where they should live, and whether the paternal uncle should be permitted to remove them from Australia for a holiday and renew their passports. Additionally, the court needed to consider the extent to which the children should spend time and communicate with their mother, and how the paternal uncle should notify the mother of the court's orders.

Watts J made orders granting the paternal uncle parental responsibility for the children and stipulating that they live with him. The court also permitted the paternal uncle to remove the children from Australia for a holiday and to renew their passports. All previous orders were discharged, including the mother's existing orders for the children to spend time with her. The children were to spend time and communicate with their mother in accordance with their wishes and as agreed between the paternal uncle and the mother. The paternal uncle was also ordered to attempt to notify the mother of these orders.