Ethel and Dobbs

The case of *Ethel and Dobbs* concerned an application by the father for orders regarding his time with the child L. The proceedings were heard by Berman J in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The core of the dispute revolved around the terms and conditions under which the father would spend time with L, particularly in light of the involvement of a Ms B, presumably a supervisor or facilitator.

The court was required to determine the appropriate arrangements for supervised time between the father and L. Specifically, the issues included the duration of these periods, the conditions of supervision, the location of the contact, and the role of Ms B in facilitating and overseeing the time. The court also had to consider the allocation of costs associated with Ms B's involvement.

Berman J ordered that L spend time with the father in the presence of Ms B each month. Initially, these periods were to be for three hours, with the mother having the liberty to remain present or as directed by Ms B. Subsequently, the duration was to increase to four hours, with the mother's attendance restricted to the commencement and conclusion of the supervised time at Ms B's offices. The supervised interactions were to occur once a month, with initial arrangements to be made between the parties and Ms B, and thereafter as agreed between the father and Ms B. The parties were ordered to jointly pay any costs associated with Ms B's attendance, facilitation, consultation, and any reports.