AMBROSE & SELDORS

In the matter of Ambrose & Seldors, heard before Judge Altobelli, the dispute concerned interim parenting arrangements for two children, X (born 2017) and Y (born 2019). The proceedings involved serious allegations made by each parent against the other, supported by independent documentation, and raised issues of family violence and mental health concerns.

The court was required to determine the interim parenting orders, including live with and spend time arrangements for the children, communication protocols between the parents, and specific restraints to be imposed on each parent. The court also needed to consider the role of the Independent Children’s Lawyer and the involvement of various support services and medical professionals.

The court made interim orders that the children live with the Mother and spend time with the Father for a minimum of two hours each fortnight, supervised by a nominated contact centre. The Father was ordered to bear the costs of supervised contact, and both parents were directed to cooperate with the contact centre. The Mother was to facilitate communication between the children and the Father, and specific protocols were established for non-urgent and emergency communications. The Father was restrained from audio or video recording interactions with the children and from attending within 100 metres of the Mother's residence or the children's childcare facility without prior consent. Both parents were restrained from making negative comments about the other parent to or in the presence of the children. The Mother was ordered to attend upon a Dr D and provide reports to the Father and the Independent Children’s Lawyer, and to continue engaging with E Families. The Father was ordered to continue psychological treatment.