Ledru and Alesia

The case of Ledru and Alesia concerned parenting orders made by Brown J in the Family Court of Australia. The dispute involved the mother's obligation to facilitate the children, F and L, spending time with their father, notwithstanding potential contrary advice from a government department employee and subject to any orders from the Children's Court. The court also addressed the preparation of psychiatric assessments and a Family Report.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether the existing parenting orders for the father to spend time with the children should remain in force, and the extent to which the mother was obliged to comply with these orders, even if advised otherwise by a third party. The court was also required to determine the process for obtaining psychiatric assessments, including the role of the independent children's lawyer and Dr. E, and the allocation of costs for these assessments. Furthermore, the court considered the preparation and release of a Family Report and the listing of the matter for trial.

Brown J reasoned that the existing order for the father to spend time with the children should remain in full force and effect, and ordered the mother to facilitate this contact, explicitly stating this was to occur notwithstanding any contrary advice from a Department of Human Services employee. The court applied principles of the *Family Law Act 1975*, including sections relating to the preparation of Family Reports and the court's power to make orders for the benefit of children. The court also made orders for the preparation of psychiatric assessments, with costs initially borne by the father, reserving the question of ultimate responsibility. The court further ordered the preparation and release of a Family Report and scheduled a trial notice listing.