Beattie and Simpson

In the matter of *Beattie and Simpson*, heard by Mullane J, the dispute concerned interim parenting orders for three children. The mother sought interim residence of the children, and the proceedings involved applications and orders relating to the children's schooling, communication with the father, and the handling of an expert's report.

The court was required to determine several legal issues, including the interim residence of the children, the terms of their time with each parent, arrangements for their schooling, and the disclosure and discussion of a single expert's report. Additionally, the court considered the father's access to the children and the communication between the children and the father.

Mullane J made a series of interim orders. The mother's application for interim residence was adjourned for a hearing before a Judicial Registrar. The father was restrained from showing the expert's report to certain individuals. Pending further order, the children were to spend time with the mother, who was also directed to arrange for two of the children to attend a public school. The mother, with the assistance of the independent lawyer for the children, was to obtain records of the third child's previous schooling and decide on further assessment or enrolment. Both parties were restrained from discussing the expert's report with the children. The parties and the independent lawyer were granted permission to inspect documents produced by the NSW Police. The mother was also ordered to facilitate reasonable telephone communication between the children and the father.