Watkins and Minnow

In *Watkins and Minnow*, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parental responsibility and living arrangements for three children. The dispute involved the mother and father of the children, with the court tasked with determining the future care and contact arrangements for F, J, and Z.

The court was required to determine who should have sole parental responsibility for the children, where the children should live, and the extent of the father's contact with them. Additionally, the court considered the mother's ability to remove the children from Australia and the role of the paternal grandparents in the children's lives. The court also had to address the communication methods between the father and the children, and the retention and disclosure of such communications.

Benjamin J ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the children, including the authority to apply for passports, determine their residence within Australia, and decide their schooling. The mother was permitted to take the children on holidays or for education outside of Australia, provided she gave the father one month's notice. The children were ordered to live with the mother. The father was generally restrained from approaching, meeting, communicating with, or spending time with the children, except as specifically provided. Communication was limited to letters and cards sent via post, with specific allowances for Christmas and birthdays, and one annual letter. The mother or a nominated person could review these communications, returning inappropriate ones to the father and retaining the rest for the children's future access. The court also directed mediation between the mother and paternal grandparents regarding potential contact, excluding the father. The appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.