Bradbury & Lander (No. 3)

In this interim proceeding before Gill J, the parties sought to vary existing orders concerning the 2020/2021 Christmas school holiday period for their child, Y. The mother also applied for the appointment of a single expert and for interim property relief. The father sought to vary the existing orders regarding Y's time with her mother during the school holidays.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the child, Y, in relation to proposed parenting arrangements for the upcoming school holidays. Additionally, the court had to consider whether to appoint a single expert and whether to grant interim property relief, assessing if such relief would prejudice the final property settlement.

Gill J made specific orders regarding Y's time with her mother during the Term 4 school holidays, modifying the existing arrangements. The application for the appointment of a single expert was dismissed. The court also ordered that a Family Report be prepared by a Family Consultant, outlining specific areas for consideration, including the child's relationship with both parents, protection from harm, the impact of changes in circumstances, and the capacity of each parent to meet the child's needs. The mother's application for interim property relief was dismissed, with the court noting uncertainty as to whether the orders sought would undermine the making of final property orders. The matter was adjourned for further directions, with a tentative trial date set for June 2021.