Howard and Harrison

In the matter of *Howard and Harrison*, Dessau J of the Family Court of Australia considered orders concerning the children S and J. The dispute involved the mother, the father, and an Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL).

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders for S and J, specifically regarding parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with each parent. The court also considered the discharge of a Watch List Order and the appointment of the ICL.

By consent between the mother and the ICL, and unopposed by the father, the court ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the children and that they live with her. Crucially, the court ordered that the children spend no time with the father. The Watch List Order made on 11 March 2009 was discharged, and the mother's solicitor was directed to notify the Australian Federal Police and the Marshal of the Family Court. The court also noted that particulars of the obligations and consequences of contravening these orders were set out in an attached Fact Sheet, pursuant to ss 65DA(2) and 62B of the relevant legislation. The appointment of the Independent Children’s Lawyer was discharged, and all outstanding applications were dismissed.