ELSEY & WAINWRIGHT

In the Family Court of Australia, before Baumann J, the matter of Elsey & Wainwright concerned contested interim residence orders for two children, X and Y. The proceedings involved applications and responses from both the mother and the father regarding the primary care and time arrangements for the children.

The court was required to determine the interim parenting arrangements for the children, specifically addressing the question of where the children would live primarily and the quantum and nature of the time the children would spend with the non-resident parent. Additionally, the court needed to consider the preparation and content of a family report to assist in resolving the dispute, including specific areas of inquiry for the Family Consultant.

Baumann J made orders for the children to live primarily with the mother and spend regular time with the father. The court also ordered the preparation of a family report pursuant to section 62G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), directing the Family Consultant to report on specified matters, including potential interventions to assist the parties in achieving a cooperative parenting outcome and resolving future disputes. The court further ordered that the parties have equal shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues concerning the children. The orders detailed specific arrangements for the children's time with the father, including alternating weekends, school holidays, and communication protocols, while also noting limitations related to COVID-19 government directions.