Kumar and Krishnam

This matter concerned parenting arrangements for a child, X, born in 2014, between the child's mother and father. The proceedings were before Judge Harland in the Family Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the child, the arrangements for the parents to spend time with the child, and the nature of parental responsibility. Additionally, the court needed to make orders regarding the independent representation of the child.

The court ordered that the child, X, remain in Australia and reside with the mother in Melbourne from 8 March 2016. The father was granted leave to spend time with X for 8 hours on days he travelled to Melbourne, with prior notice. Both parents were to have equal shared parental responsibility for X. The court also ordered that X be independently represented by an Independent Children’s Lawyer, with specific directions given to Victoria Legal Aid and the respective parties regarding the appointment and duties of the Independent Children’s Lawyer. The proceeding was adjourned for further directions.