Donaghey & Donaghey (No. 3)

In *Donaghey & Donaghey (No. 3)*, Murphy J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application to vary existing orders concerning the time a child, J, would spend with his mother. The dispute centred on the practical arrangements for supervised contact, particularly given the child's lengthy and difficult history.

The primary legal issue before the court was how to best facilitate J's time with his mother, balancing the need for supervised contact with the potential benefits of extended time, as suggested by a Family Consultant. The court also had to determine the procedural steps required for the finalisation of parenting orders and address an outstanding application for costs.

Murphy J varied the previous orders by discharging a specific paragraph and substituting it with provisions for J to spend time with his mother at times agreed in writing by the parties and the Independent Children's Lawyer, or failing agreement, at a designated contact centre for a minimum of two hours on alternate Saturdays. The court respectfully requested the Director of the contact centre to consider granting J the maximum time afforded by the centre, acknowledging the case's history and the Family Consultant's opinion that such an extension would be in J's best interests. The court also made directions for the filing and service of final and interim parenting orders by both parents, listed a hearing for directions, and granted the Independent Children's Lawyer leave to publish an account of the proceedings to the Director of the contact centre. The father's application for costs was adjourned to a later date, with directions for the filing of material.