JOSEPHS & LORENZO

In the matter of *JosephS & LORENZO*, heard before Judge Brown, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for a child, X, born in 2008. The court was required to determine whether to appoint an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) and to consider interim parenting orders.

The primary legal issue before the court was the welfare and best interests of the child, X, as contemplated by Section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975*. This involved assessing the need for independent representation of the child's interests and determining appropriate interim measures regarding the father's time with X.

Judge Brown ordered the appointment of an Independent Children’s Lawyer to represent the interests of X, directing the parties' solicitors to forward relevant documents to the Legal Services Commission of South Australia to facilitate this appointment. The court further ordered that the ICL endeavour to be in a position to make submissions on the adjourned date and to file a Notice of Address for Service upon appointment. Crucially, the court suspended the father's time with X until further order, indicating a significant concern for the child's immediate welfare. The matter was adjourned for further directions.