HENRY & RICHARDSON

In the matter of *Henry & Richardson*, heard before Judge Scarlett, the dispute concerned interim parenting orders regarding a child, X. The application involved the father seeking time with the child, while the mother sought sole parental responsibility.

The court was required to determine whether the father's time with the child should be supervised, and to make orders concerning parental responsibility and the child's living arrangements, all within the paramount consideration of the child's best interests. A secondary issue arose regarding the adequacy of evidence, specifically the absence of a certificate under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth).

Judge Scarlett reasoned that the best interests of the child necessitated specific interim orders. The court granted the mother sole parental responsibility, with the child to live with her. The father was ordered to complete a parenting program, and upon successful completion, he was to have supervised time with the child for two hours every alternate weekend. The court also directed that the parties communicate via text message regarding the child's care and that the father inform the mother in writing of all major long-term decisions.