MELLINK & MELLINK

In *Mellink & Mellink*, the parties were engaged in proceedings concerning interim parenting arrangements for a child. The dispute centred on allegations of potential abuse, with the mother expressing concerns about the risk of harm to the child arising from disclosures made by the child. The matter came before Judge Altobelli for an interim hearing.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether the disclosures made by the child warranted a finding of an unacceptable risk of abuse, thereby necessitating specific interim parenting orders to protect the child. This required the Court to carefully examine the evidence presented, including any use of "special words" or "code words" in the context of supervised contact, to assess the credibility and substance of the mother's concerns.

Judge Altobelli closely examined the evidence and concluded that, despite the allegations and the child's disclosures, there was no evidence of risk of harm to the child at the interim stage. Consequently, the Court made orders amending the existing parenting arrangements to adjust the time spent with each parent. Further orders were made restraining the father from co-sleeping or co-bathing with the child, and the parties were given liberty to agree on the appointment of a Single Joint Expert Witness. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was granted liberty to relist the matter on short notice if circumstances warranted, and the matter was adjourned for a final hearing.