Zanda and Zanda

In *Zanda and Zanda*, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered an application made by Ms Zanda against Mr Zanda concerning their seven children. The application was heard on an ex parte basis, meaning only one party was present.

The primary legal issues before the Court were whether it was appropriate to proceed ex parte, and what interim orders were necessary to protect the children and ensure their welfare. Specifically, the Court had to determine whether to restrain the respondent father from leaving Australia, whether to restrain both parties from removing the children from Australia, and whether to impose further restrictions on the father's contact with some of the children.

Judge Harman found it appropriate to proceed ex parte, noting the applicant's efforts to serve the respondent. The Court then made several orders pursuant to its family law jurisdiction. These included restraining the respondent father from leaving the Commonwealth of Australia and placing his name on the Family Law Watchlist. Both parties were restrained from removing the children from Australia, with the children's names also to be placed on the Family Law Watchlist. Furthermore, the respondent father was restrained from approaching within 100 metres of the mother's residence or the children's schools, and from taking or attempting to take the children into his care. The Court also vacated the return date of the initiating application, adjourned other applications for further directions, and granted leave to amend service documents. The applicant was directed to serve the respondent with the applications, orders, and reasons for judgment as soon as practicable.