METTRICK & METTRICK

In the matter of *Mettrick & Mettrick*, Justice Bennett of the Family Court of Australia considered competing applications for parenting orders concerning three children. The proceedings involved complex issues regarding the children's welfare and living arrangements.

The court was required to determine the appropriate interim arrangements for the children, including the process for obtaining expert advice and the specific contact arrangements for the father during the Christmas period. Key issues included the need for a family consultant's assessment, the disclosure of documents to the consultant, and the role of the independent children's lawyer in advising on future orders.

Justice Bennett ordered that the competing applications for parenting orders be adjourned to a later date. Crucially, the court directed the parties to attend appointments with a family consultant to prepare a Children and Parents Issues Assessment, with specific responsibilities assigned to the mother for bringing the children to appointments. The court also made detailed orders regarding the father's Christmas contact, including specific times and locations for changeovers, and stipulated that the father was to remain a specified distance from the police station during these times. Further directions were given for the filing of material, the independent children's lawyer's preliminary views, and the potential cross-examination of the family consultant. The court also authorised the disclosure of documents and reports to relevant professionals.