Wodsworth and Walberry and Anor

This matter concerned an application by the paternal grandmother, Ms Wodsworth, for parenting orders in relation to her grandchildren, Z, M, and R, against the children's parents, Mr Roberts and Ms Walberry. The court was required to determine the nature and extent of the time the children would spend with their paternal grandmother, and the communication arrangements between the children and the grandmother.

Cleary J considered the best interests of the children as paramount in determining the parenting arrangements. The court's reasoning focused on balancing the children's primary residence with their parents with the importance of maintaining a meaningful relationship with their paternal grandmother. The court applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) concerning the best interests of the child, including the importance of the child having a relationship with both parents and other significant people in their lives.

The court ordered that all existing parenting orders be discharged. It was ordered that the children live with their parents, Mr Roberts and Ms Walberry. The paternal grandmother, Ms Wodsworth, was granted specific time with the children, including mid-week time with Z, every third weekend with all three children, and specific time on Boxing Day. Further provisions were made for communication between the children and the grandmother, including telephone calls on birthdays and Christmas Day, and requirements for notification of illness or changes of address.