Daniel & Coupe

In the matter of *Daniel & Coupe*, heard by Baumann J in the Family Court of Australia, the applicant mother and respondent father were involved in proceedings concerning their child, X. The dispute arose when the mother unilaterally ceased contact between the child and the father.

The court was required to determine interim arrangements for the child's time with the father, given the mother's cessation of contact. This involved considering the child's best interests and the appropriate measures to facilitate supervised or unsupervised time between the child and the father pending further investigation.

Baumann J made interim orders suspending previous orders regarding the child's time with the father. The court ordered specific weekend time for the child to spend with the father in February and March 2021, with provisions for courteous changeovers and a prohibition on parental disputes in the child's presence. The court also ordered the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer and a child-inclusive conference with a Family Consultant to assess issues, consider relevant factors under s 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975*, and provide advice on a parenting plan and co-parenting strategies. The proceedings were adjourned for a case management hearing.