Fothering and Vintic

In the matter of *Fothering and Vintic*, heard before the Honourable Justice Cronin, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for a child named E. The specific nature of the dispute, such as whether it involved final orders or interim arrangements, is not detailed, but the orders made indicate a need for further assessment before final determination.

The court was required to determine the appropriate steps to be taken to facilitate a future hearing concerning E's parenting arrangements. This included the appointment of a family consultant to prepare a report addressing E's views on her relationship with her father and the living circumstances of both parents, particularly the mother and her husband, Mr Vintic. The court also needed to consider the management of the court file and future applications.

Justice Cronin reasoned that a comprehensive report from a family consultant was necessary to inform the court's decision-making regarding E's best interests. The consultant was granted liberty to review all relevant documents, including a prior report. The court also established a clear process for future proceedings, appointing a docketed registrar to manage contact and applications, and allowing parties liberty to apply for relisting on short notice. This approach aimed to ensure that all necessary information was gathered and that the proceedings could be efficiently managed towards a final hearing.

The court ordered that all proceedings be taken out of the list of pending cases, to be reinstated upon request for a future hearing. Further orders directed the appointment of a family consultant, the registrar's role in managing the file and applications, and the preparation of reasons for the orders. The court also requested Victoria Legal Aid to continue funding the Independent Children’s Lawyer.