KELLY & BRYANT

In the matter of *Kelly & Bryant*, Ryan J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning the welfare of two children, O and L. The dispute involved issues of supervised contact and interim telephone contact.

The court was required to determine whether to grant an interim telephone contact order sought by the respondent father. Additionally, the court addressed the appointment of an expert to report on welfare issues and set out a comprehensive case management plan for the proceedings.

Ryan J refused the father's oral application for interim telephone contact. The court ordered the appointment of Dr M as an expert to report on the welfare of the children. A detailed case management framework was established, including directions for filing parenting questionnaires, limitations on affidavits and subpoenas, and a strict chronology exchange process to facilitate a Less Adversarial Trial. The court also stipulated notice requirements for any extended time the father might spend with the children beyond a specified period.