Lesley and Atkinson and Ors (No 2)

The proceedings involved Lesley and Atkinson and Ors (No 2), heard in the Family Court of Australia. The dispute concerned parenting arrangements for two children, X and Y, and the sale of a property. The court made orders by consent regarding the children's living arrangements during school terms and holidays, including specific provisions for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and birthdays.

The court was required to determine the parenting orders for the children, including their primary residence and time spent with each parent. Additionally, the court considered an application by the wife for the immediate sale of a property referred to as "F Property." The court also addressed the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL) and the process for mediating parenting issues.

The court's reasoning, as evidenced by the consent orders, indicates an agreement between the parties on the children's living arrangements and the dismissal of the wife's application for the immediate sale of the property. The court emphasised the importance of mediation for parenting matters, stipulating that the parenting matter would not be listed before a judge until parties had genuinely attempted mediation with a qualified practitioner. The court also vacated a previous order for an ICL in the ACT and ordered the appointment of an ICL for the children in New South Wales, with specific directions for the provision of documents and access to court records. The orders also included a fact sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravention, pursuant to sections 68L(2), 65DA(2), and 62B of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).