Harris and Coates (No. 2)

In *Harris & Coates (No. 2)*, the Family Court of Australia considered interim orders concerning the living arrangements and time spent with children. The applicant was Mr. Harris (the father), and the respondent was Ms. Coates (the mother). The Independent Children’s Lawyer was represented by the Legal Services Commission of South Australia. The proceedings involved children J, L, and M.

The court was required to determine whether to continue existing interim orders for the father to spend time with the children each alternate Saturday, pending the final determination of the matter. This involved assessing what was in the best interests of the children, particularly in light of disputes regarding parental capacity to foster a meaningful relationship with each other and the need to protect the children from harm. The court also considered the implications of the father's non-compliance with previous court orders regarding financial matters and the filing of affidavits.

Justice Dawe, applying the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), continued the existing interim orders for the father to spend time with the children on alternate Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This decision was based on the Family Consultant's report, which recommended this arrangement and suggested further therapeutic interventions. The court also took into account a letter from the B Hospital Child Protection Service concerning the children's treatment, particularly for J. Justice Dawe was not satisfied that altering or extending the current arrangements was in the children's best interests at this interim stage, given the ongoing disputes and the need for protection. The court also noted the father's failure to comply with orders for filing financial material, which impacted the ability to set the matter for trial.