Davidson and Davidson

In *Davidson and Davidson*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia was required to make orders concerning the future care and welfare of the parties' children, N and L. The proceedings involved applications by both the husband and the mother, with a particular focus on the children's medical conditions and the need for expert reports.

The court was tasked with determining the procedural steps necessary for the final hearing, including the preparation and filing of various expert reports. Key issues included the timing and content of a Family Consultant's report, the mother's obligation to provide a report regarding N's medical condition, and the husband's application for supervised time with the children. The court also had to consider the arrangements for psychiatric assessments of both parents and the associated costs.

Bennett J ordered that the parties attend a Trial Notice Listing and that a Family Consultant prepare a report by a specified date, to be commenced only after another report from Dr E was available. The Family Consultant was granted permission to inspect court documents for the purpose of preparing the report. The husband's application for supervised time with the children was dismissed. The mother was ordered to file a report concerning N's medical condition by a specific date, and the independent children's lawyer was to indicate her views on evidence from Dr R. By consent, both parents were to attend psychiatric assessments by Dr E, with initial responsibility for costs allocated to each party, and provisions made for Victoria Legal Aid funding and potential reimbursement. The father was granted liberty to communicate with Dr R at his own expense.