ANSON & LACE

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Baumann J in relation to a child, B, born in 2012. The proceedings involved the child's parents, referred to as the mother and the father.

The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the child, the nature and extent of the child's time with each parent, and measures to ensure the child's welfare and protection from parental conflict. Specific issues included the child's schooling, the father's contact with the child, prohibitions on parental denigration, and the involvement of the Independent Children's Lawyer. The court also considered the admissibility and dissemination of expert reports and the need for further evidence regarding hair follicle testing.

Baumann J made orders that the child live with the mother and attend a specific school. The father was to spend supervised time with the child at a designated contact centre, with the dates and times to be accommodated by the centre. Both parents were ordered not to denigrate each other or discuss the proceedings in the child's presence, and to participate in a parenting program. The Independent Children's Lawyer was granted liberty to liaise with the contact centre and issue subpoenas. The parties were permitted to provide specific family and psychiatric reports to their treating health professionals. The mother was ordered to file evidence of her hair follicle testing results, and both parents were to file affidavits detailing the progress of current arrangements and any proposed variations for the next six months. The proceedings were listed for further mention before the docket Registrar within six months.