Bulmer and Bell (No 2)

In the matter of *Bulmer and Bell (No 2)*, Hannam J presided over proceedings concerning the welfare of a child, L Bell Bulmer. The dispute involved the parents' arrangements for the child, particularly in relation to contact with the father and the child's emotional well-being. The court was required to make interim orders regarding the child's living arrangements, therapeutic support, and the parents' participation in family programs.

The court was tasked with determining the immediate living arrangements for the child, the necessity and nature of therapeutic interventions for the child and the mother, and the process for facilitating these interventions. Furthermore, the court needed to address the ongoing issue of the child's time with her father during the adjournment of the main hearing, and the financial responsibilities associated with the assessments and therapy.

Hannam J made several orders, including that the child was to live with the mother pending further order. Both parents were directed to enrol in and attend the Keeping Contact Program at Unifam for family therapy. The court also ordered that the child receive therapeutic or psychological support to assist in rebuilding her relationship with her father and addressing her fears. The issue of the child's time with her father during the adjournment was stood down, with a notation that all parties consented to the child spending time with her father during this period. The mother was ordered to attend a psychiatric assessment, with costs initially to be borne by her, and the Independent Children’s Lawyer was granted liberty to relist the matter if the mother failed to comply with certain orders. Consent orders were also made regarding the selection and availability of therapists for the child, and the sharing of therapy costs.