FOX & KENT

This matter concerned a dispute between the Mother and Father regarding their three children, X, Y, and Z, and came before Judge Willis in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. The proceedings involved the Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL), Ms Sinclair, who was subsequently discharged and a replacement was requested.

The court was required to determine arrangements for the Mother's supervised time with the children, the provision of court materials to various parties including the ICL, Family Report Writer, and Dr K, and the preparation of an addendum psychiatric report. Further issues included the exchange of school reports and updated affidavit material between the parents, and the scheduling of a mention date for the matter.

Judge Willis ordered that leave be granted to the ICL to provide a copy of the tender bundle to the parties, with restrictions on its use outside the litigation. The Mother's supervised time with the children was to occur on a specific date and thereafter at a contact centre, subject to accommodation and agreement. The court also directed the parties to complete questionnaires from the ICL and provided specific timelines for the appointment and duties of a new ICL. The Father was ordered to provide school reports to the ICL, and both parents were to file and serve updated affidavit material. The matter was listed for mention on 8 September 2015.