Chapman and Grayson

This matter concerned an application before Judge Scarlett in the Family Court of Australia, involving the parents of a child, [X], born in 2009. The dispute centred on arrangements for the child's time with each parent and the child's independent representation.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders concerning the child's welfare, including the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer, the nature and supervision of the child's time with the mother, and specific communication arrangements between the mother and child. The court also needed to address the practicalities of implementing these orders, such as the provision of documents and responsibility for contact centre fees.

Applying the provisions of section 68L of the *Family Law Act 1975*, the court ordered that the child, [X], be independently represented by a lawyer, with Legal Aid New South Wales requested to arrange this. The court further ordered that the child spend time with the mother for two hours per fortnight at a supervised contact centre, with the mother responsible for any associated fees. An injunction was also imposed restraining the mother from administering prohibited drugs to herself when spending time with the child or for 12 hours beforehand. The mother was granted liberty to telephone the child on specified days and times, with the father required to facilitate these calls and not interfere. The parties were also ordered to exchange current contact details. The application was adjourned for mention.