Dukes & Anor and Talford

The matter of *Dukes & Anor and Talford* concerned parenting orders sought by the maternal grandparents in relation to their grandchild, B. The application was brought by the maternal grandparents against the child's father and stepmother. The court was required to determine the nature and extent of the time the child would spend with the maternal grandparents, and the conditions under which such time would occur.

The primary legal issue before Johnston J was whether to grant the maternal grandparents' application for specific parenting orders. This involved considering the best interests of the child, B, and balancing the rights of the grandparents to have a relationship with their grandchild against the parental responsibilities and decisions of the father and stepmother. The court also had to consider the practical arrangements for the child's time with the grandparents, including supervision and communication protocols.

Johnston J dismissed the maternal grandparents' amended initiating application. The court made orders that the child would spend time with the maternal grandparents on occasions and at times as agreed between them and the father. Furthermore, the father and/or the child's stepmother could be present during these times if the father deemed it appropriate. In the event the child became distressed and could not be consoled, the grandparents were ordered to contact the father and, if requested, arrange for the child's collection. The court also ordered that the grandparents and the father each bear half the costs of the Independent Child Lawyer.