Daly and Daly (No. 2)

In the matter of *Daly and Daly (No. 2)*, Chief Judge Bryant of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the living arrangements and contact arrangements for two children, N and A. The dispute centred on the parenting arrangements for these children following the separation of their parents.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the specific schedule for their time with each parent, arrangements for school holidays and birthdays, and the location of changeovers. Additionally, the court needed to consider the provision of communication facilities between the children and their parents, and the need for further evidence and assessments to inform future decisions.

The court ordered that the children would live with the father on an alternating weeknight basis and for one half of each school holiday period, with the mother caring for them at all other times. Specific arrangements were made for the current school holidays and for A's birthday. Changeovers were to occur at a designated contact centre, except for school-related transitions. The father was ordered to provide a mobile phone for the children's use. The court also directed that a family report be prepared by Ms W, addressing specific issues including the children's safety, the facilitation of relationships with both parents, the suitability of shared parenting, and the mother's potential benefit from counselling. The mother was also directed to obtain a psychiatric assessment and commence therapeutic counselling. The applications were adjourned for further hearing and a directions hearing was scheduled.