Melos and Harradine

The proceedings involved the parties, Melos and Harradine, concerning parenting orders for their child, X. The matter came before Cronin J.

The court was required to determine the specific arrangements for the child's time and communication with the Father, as well as the transfer of extant proceedings to the Federal Circuit Court. Further issues included the discharge of certain previous orders, the continuation of others, the separate representation of the child, and the provision of information to the child's Independent Children's Lawyer. The court also considered authorisations for the Father's attendance at school events and the exchange of information regarding the child's welfare.

Cronin J made orders by consent, which included the transfer of proceedings to the Federal Circuit Court. The court discharged specific paragraphs of prior orders made on 13 July 2018 and established detailed arrangements for the child's time and communication with the Father, including specific weekend and weekday periods, as well as electronic communication. Provisions were made for changeovers, including the involvement of the maternal grandmother and specific locations. The court also ordered that the child be separately represented by an Independent Children's Lawyer, with Victoria Legal Aid requested to arrange this. The parties were directed to provide relevant documents to the Independent Children's Lawyer, and the Father was authorised to attend school events. The court also stipulated that in the event of a positive drug screen result for the Father, the Mother was to bring an application to suspend time.

The court vacated a listed hearing and dismissed an Application in a Case and its response. The reasons for the day's orders were to be transcribed. Finally, the court included particulars of obligations, consequences of contravention, and sources of assistance in a Fact Sheet attached to the order, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).