LAWRENCE & DEHN

The parties in this matter were Lawrence and Dehn, with the proceedings concerning the welfare of their children. The case was heard by Hannam J in the Family Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine various issues relating to the children's welfare, including their attendance at family therapy, the provision of medical information, and the independent representation of the children's interests. The court also considered the father's costs liability and the requirement for him to enter into a bond.

Hannam J ordered that both parties facilitate the children's attendance at family therapy as recommended by Mr H, with specific consideration for child C's medical advice. The parties were permitted to provide Mr H with case affidavits and a family report. The father was ordered to pay the mother's costs, with any sum payable to be offset against his child support liability. The father was also directed to inform the mother of any changes to the children's treating medical practitioners or facilities. Crucially, the court ordered that the children F and C be independently represented by a lawyer pursuant to section 68L of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), and requested the Legal Aid Commission of New South Wales to secure this representation. Leave was granted to the appointed Independent Children's Lawyer to issue subpoenas and have photocopy access to documents produced on subpoena, and the Independent Children's Lawyer was exempt from fees.