King and Hill

In the matter of *King and Hill*, heard before Rees J, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for a child, B, born in 2012. The court was required to make orders regarding the child's residence and time spent with each parent.

The primary legal issue before the court was to determine the best interests of the child, B, in establishing a parenting order. This involved considering the practical arrangements for the child's living situation and contact with both parents.

Rees J ordered that the child, B, would live with the mother. The father was granted specific time with the child on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with detailed arrangements for collection and return involving the paternal grandfather. Furthermore, the court ordered the parties and the child to attend a Child Inclusive Conference. Crucially, pursuant to section 68L(2) of the relevant legislation, an independent children's lawyer was appointed to represent the child B, with a request made to the Legal Aid Commission of New South Wales for this separate representation. The court also made directions regarding the filing of an address for service by the independent children's lawyer and the provision of documents to them by the parties' solicitors. The application was listed for mention and further directions.