METTRICK & METTRICK

In the matter of *Mettrick & Mettrick*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning parenting arrangements for the parties' three children. The dispute involved the father's application for shared care and the mother's concerns regarding her anxiety triggered by the father's behaviour, and how these issues impacted the children.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children, specifically addressing the father's proposal for shared care, the impact of the mother's anxiety on the children's well-being, and how to best assist the children in coping with high parental conflict. The court also needed to consider the children's views, the parents' capacity to cooperate, and the overall matters set out in section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975*.

To inform these determinations, the court ordered the preparation of an updated family report, detailing specific areas of inquiry including the children's views, the parents' cooperative capacity, the father's shared care proposal, the impact of the mother's anxiety, observations of the parties with the children, and recommendations for resolution. The family consultant was authorised to review all filed documents, subpoenaed materials, and documents provided by the Independent Children's Lawyer. The court also made specific interim orders regarding the father's time with the children during school holidays, communication arrangements, and restrictions concerning school events, as well as clarifying existing orders regarding changeovers.