COVE & WHITLEY

In the Family Court of Australia, Mr Cove (Applicant) and Ms Whitley (Respondent) sought final consent orders concerning their child, X. The Independent Children's Lawyer was represented by Taft Lawyers. The dispute concerned arrangements for X's residence, time with each parent, and parental responsibility.

The court was required to determine whether the proposed consent orders were in the best interests of the child, X, pursuant to section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The orders detailed a phased approach to increasing the Father's time with X, alongside provisions for sole parental responsibility for the Mother, subject to specific notification and consultation requirements. The court also considered orders relating to communication, special occasions, changeovers, the involvement of the paternal grandmother, and the Father's engagement with counselling and drug testing.

Johns J made the consent orders by agreement between the parties, finding them to be in the best interests of X. The orders established that X would live with the Mother, who would have sole parental responsibility, with the Father to be notified of and consulted on significant decisions. The court approved a detailed schedule for the Father's time with X, which progressively increased over time, and included provisions for communication and special occasions. The orders also imposed specific conditions on the Father, including restrictions on alcohol and illicit substance use, ongoing engagement with counselling, and compliance with hair follicle testing.