Katic & Katic (No. 2)

In *Katic & Katic (No. 2)*, the Family Court of Australia, presided over by Cronin J, dealt with a dispute concerning a child's time spent with the respondent husband and an intervener. The specific nature of the dispute revolved around the conditions under which such time might occur, particularly in light of the child's expressed wishes.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether to make an order for the child to spend time with the respondent husband and the intervener. This determination required the Court to consider the paramountcy of the child's welfare and best interests, and how to give effect to the child's stated preferences in the context of judicial orders.

Cronin J's reasoning focused on the child's autonomy and the importance of respecting their expressed wishes. The Court ultimately determined that it would not impose a mandatory schedule for the child to spend time with the respondent husband and the intervener. Instead, the Court ordered that any such time would only occur if the child themselves expressly indicated in writing their desire to do so. This approach prioritised the child's agency in determining their contact with the respondent and the intervener.