Ferguson and Leishmann

In the Family Court of Western Australia, Judge Brown presided over a dispute between Ferguson and Leishmann concerning the care, welfare, and development of their two children. The proceedings involved an application for orders relating to the children's living arrangements and the mother's contact with them.

The court was required to determine the interim living arrangements for the children and the terms of the mother's communication and time with them, pending further resolution of the dispute. A key issue was the facilitation of dispute resolution between the parents regarding these matters.

Judge Brown ordered that the parties attend a child-inclusive family dispute resolution conference facilitated by a family consultant. Until further order, the children were to live with the father in Perth. The mother was granted permission to spend time with the children in Perth during the September/October school holidays, subject to the parties' agreement, and to communicate electronically with them on mutually agreed terms. The matter was adjourned for further directions.