WILSON & HARRIS

In the matter of *Wilson & Harris*, Bell J considered an application concerning the welfare of three children. The proceedings were brought on an undefended basis, indicating that the Father did not participate in the hearing.

The central legal issues before the court were the living arrangements for the children, the allocation of parental responsibility for long-term decisions, and whether any time or communication should occur between the children and the Father. The court was also required to determine the disposition of outstanding applications and the role of the Independent Children’s Lawyer.

Bell J ordered that all previous orders be discharged. The court determined that the children, S, J, and H, shall live with the Mother and that the Mother shall have sole parental responsibility for all major long-term issues concerning the children, as defined by the *Family Law Act 1975*. Crucially, the court made no order for the children to spend time or communicate with the Father. All outstanding applications were dismissed, and the Independent Children’s Lawyer was discharged. The court also directed that a document detailing the obligations, consequences of contravention, and support services related to these parenting orders be annexed to the final orders.