The exceptional hardship threshold from R v Edwards remains a 'high bar'. A 16-year-old child who becomes effectively homeless and has education disrupted following a parent's imprisonment, but who is receiving Commonwealth benefits and is reasonably self-reliant, does not meet the threshold. The most significant effect being loss of emotional and personal connection does not elevate hardship to an exceptional level. Hardship to children must also be measured against the pre-existing domestic environment.
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