ICARUS & ARTHUR

In the matter of *ICARUS & ARTHUR*, Foster J of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning a child, B. The primary final orders were made by consent, with discrete issues requiring determination by the Court. The parties had invited short reasons for judgment.

The Court was required to determine several discrete issues relating to parental responsibility and the mother's access to information about the child. Additionally, the Court considered an application for costs made by the Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL), in circumstances where the mother had a waiver as to her own costs.

Foster J made orders reflecting the mother's proposals, which were supported by the ICL. These orders addressed the father's obligation to inform the mother of parental responsibility decisions on long-term major issues, and granted the mother liberty to obtain school documents and attend parent-teacher interviews. The Court also made specific provisions regarding the father's notification of the mother in the event of the child's hospitalisation or ongoing medical care, and authorised the mother to contact the child's healthcare provider.

In relation to the ICL's costs, Foster J applied the relevant principles and ordered the father to pay a contribution of $3,108.00 to Legal Aid NSW within six months.