Crayton and Crayton (No 2)

This matter concerned applications for interim parenting orders between the father and mother of a child, E. The proceedings were before Murphy J of the Family Court of Australia. The parties presented Minutes of Consent, which were incorporated into the court's orders.

The court was required to determine the terms of interim parenting arrangements for the child E, including provisions for supervised time with the father, communication, and the involvement of external parties. Key issues included the conditions under which the father would spend time with the child, the role of a supervisor and a psychologist, and the representation of the child's interests. The court also considered the intervention of the Department of Human Services Victoria and the costs associated with these arrangements.

Murphy J made orders by consent, reflecting undertakings given by both parents regarding alcohol consumption. The father undertook to refrain from consuming alcohol for 12 hours prior to and during periods of time spent with the child, while the mother undertook not to consume alcohol to excess when the child was in her care. Previous orders regarding the father's time with and communication with the child were discharged. The court ordered supervised time for the father with the child on specific dates, to be supervised by a commercial supervisor or Ms G, and to occur in the presence of the paternal grandmother. The court also ordered that an Independent Children’s Lawyer be appointed for the child and requested the Department of Human Services Victoria to intervene in the proceedings. The costs of the supervisor and Ms G were to be paid from the proceeds of the sale of the former matrimonial home. The father's application for telephone communication was dismissed, with other communication applications adjourned.