WELTON & CISZEK

In the matter of *Welton & Ciszek*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia considered final parenting orders concerning five children. The dispute involved the living arrangements and parental responsibility for the children, as well as the father's future contact with them.

The court was required to determine the appropriate final orders regarding the children's residence, the allocation of parental responsibility, and whether the father should be restrained from any contact with the children. The court also had to consider the conditions under which the father might seek to vary or set aside these orders in the future, including the provision of evidence regarding his engagement with a Men's Behavioural Change program and drug testing.

Bennett J made orders that the children live with the mother and that she have sole parental responsibility. Crucially, the father was restrained from spending any time and communicating with the children. Liberty was reserved for the father to apply to vary or set aside these orders by a specific date, provided he furnished an affidavit explaining his non-attendance at the hearing and demonstrated compliance with outstanding orders, including participation in a Men's Behavioural Change program and the provision of drug and hair follicle test results. The court also reserved costs and directed that reasons for the decision be transcribed and placed on the court file.