MERTZ & WADDING

In the matter of Mertz & Wadding, heard by Judge Burchardt, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for two children, X (born 2010) and Y (born 2011).

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children and the extent of the mother's future time with them. Additionally, the court considered the necessity and form of an assessment by a family consultant.

Judge Burchardt ordered that the children X and Y live with the Father, with the mother's time with the children to be reserved. Pursuant to section 11F of the *Family Law Act 1975*, the mother, father, and children were ordered to attend an assessment with a family consultant nominated by the Regional Coordinator, Child Dispute Services at the Dandenong Registry of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. The purpose of this attendance was for the preparation of a short-form written memorandum, to be provided by the family consultant within seven days. The matter was adjourned for mention before Judge Riethmuller on 12 March 2020. The court also noted that particulars of the obligations created by these orders and the consequences of contravention, as set out in Attachment A, were included in the orders, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the *Family Law Act 1975*.