Bradley and Van Veen

The case of *Bradley and Van Veen* concerned an application relating to the parenting of a child, S, born in October 2004. The proceedings involved the father and the mother, with an Independent Children's Lawyer also participating. The court was required to make orders regarding the child's time with the father and to set a timetable for the progression of the final hearing of the parenting dispute.

The central legal issues before the court were the arrangements for the child's time with the father, and the procedural steps necessary to bring the matter to a final hearing. This included determining the specific orders to be made for future contact, the method of handover, and the evidence to be presented by each party. The court also had to consider the preparation of a Family Assessment Report and the potential consequences of non-compliance with court orders.

The court ordered that the father spend time with the child S on a specific Saturday in February 2014 and every sixth Saturday thereafter, with handover to occur at a designated location or as otherwise agreed. The court also issued detailed directions for the filing and service of amended applications and affidavits of evidence-in-chief by both the applicant and respondent, specifying deadlines for these actions. Furthermore, the court directed the parties and the child to attend upon a family consultant for the preparation of a Family Assessment Report, with a completion deadline. The court also outlined the consequences for failing to comply with these orders, including the possibility of the matter being taken out of the list or proceeding on an undefended basis. The final hearing was adjourned for a five-day period commencing in June 2014.