Bates and Bates and Ors (No. 2)

In *Bates and Bates and Ors (No. 2)*, Justice Dawe of the Family Court of Australia considered interim parenting orders concerning a child. The proceedings involved the mother and grandfather on one side, and the other party, Ms Lowe, on the other. The dispute centred on the child's living arrangements and contact with the mother and grandfather.

The court was required to determine several key issues. These included whether to vacate an upcoming trial date, the child's interim living arrangements and parental responsibility, the suspension of existing contact orders, and the conditions under which the mother and grandfather could continue to seek orders regarding the child. The court also had to consider the provision of medical information by the mother and grandfather and the potential for default orders.

Justice Dawe vacated the trial date due to the inability of the mother and grandfather to attend. The court ordered that the child live with Ms Lowe, who was granted sole parental responsibility during the adjournment. Existing orders for the child to spend time with the mother and grandfather were suspended. Ms Lowe was directed to provide school reports and notify the mother and grandparents of any health emergencies concerning the child. The matter was adjourned for further consideration, with specific orders for the mother and grandfather to provide detailed medical reports by a set date if they wished to continue proceedings. Failure to comply or attend the adjourned hearing could result in final orders being made in their absence. Leave was granted for subpoenas regarding the medical health of the mother, grandfather, and grandmother, and Ms Lowe was permitted to file an affidavit detailing present circumstances. Both Ms Lowe and the Independent Children’s Lawyer were to provide proposed final orders on the adjourned date.