BANNERT & HEADLEY

This matter came before Judge Young concerning parenting orders for children X and Y. The dispute involved arrangements for the children's time with each parent, disclosure of medical information pertaining to child Y, and the preparation of a family report. The court also set directions for the upcoming trial.

The court was required to determine the specific living arrangements for children X, including a week-about schedule, and to establish a framework for their time with each parent on birthdays and during Christmas. Further issues included the mother's obligation to provide detailed medical information about child Y to the father, and the process for obtaining expert medical advice regarding Y's treatment. The court also needed to direct the preparation of a family report concerning the children's welfare and best interests, and to set procedural directions for the trial, including the filing of evidence and case outlines.

In its reasoning, the court discharged a previous order and established a new week-about living arrangement for the children X, commencing on a specified date. It also made specific orders regarding time with each parent on Father's Day, children's birthdays, and Christmas. The court mandated the disclosure of child Y's medical information and directed the parties to jointly seek information from a medical professional. Crucially, the court ordered the preparation of a family report pursuant to section 62G(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975*, outlining the matters the family consultant was to address, including the children's views and relevant legislative factors. The court also issued detailed procedural directions for the trial, including timelines for filing affidavits, the payment of court fees, and the content of case outlines, while also noting provisions regarding family violence and the prohibition of identifying information in public accounts of proceedings.

The court ordered that the matter be listed for trial on 17, 18, and 19 May 2021. It further directed that no party shall be entitled to rely on affidavit material not filed and served in accordance with the directions without leave of the court. Provisions were also made for the potential cross-examination of the family report writer and for the admission of the report into evidence if no notice to cross-examine was given or if the writer was unavailable. The court also noted specific provisions relating to allegations of family violence and the potential for unrepresented parties to apply for representation under the Commonwealth Family Violence and Cross-Examination of Parties Scheme.