FOOTE & WICKS

In the matter of FOOTE & WICKS, Judge Obradovic considered interim parenting arrangements for a 13-year-old child. The dispute concerned the arrangements for the child's time with each parent, including school enrolment and holiday periods, amidst concerns about risk of harm.

The court was required to determine the interim parenting orders, including the specific times the child would spend with each parent, the child's school enrolment, and the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer. The court also considered the weight to be given to the views of the 13-year-old child in the context of interim parenting orders.

The court directed the parties to attend a Child Dispute Conference with a Family Consultant, who was requested to provide a memorandum on any agreement reached, issues requiring determination, and recommendations for case management, referrals, and resource allocation. Pending further order, the court made specific interim orders regarding the child's time with the father, including Thursday evenings and alternate weekends, and a specific period during the September/October school holidays. The court also ordered the immediate re-enrolment of the child at a specified school and restrained any changes to enrolment without further order or written agreement. Furthermore, the court appointed an Independent Children's Lawyer for the child and directed the parties to provide relevant documents to the appointee. The matter was listed for further directions.