METTRICK & METTRICK

In the matter of Mettrick & Mettrick, heard before Bennett J, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for three children. The court was required to determine the terms of the father's time and communication with the children during the upcoming school holidays, as well as to consider the ongoing legal representation for the Independent Children's Lawyer.

The court's reasoning focused on establishing interim orders for the children's welfare and communication with their father. This involved setting specific dates and times for face-to-face contact and telephone calls, while also imposing an injunction to restrain any other unauthorised communication. The court also directed that the reasons for its decision regarding the adjournment be transcribed and provided to the parties and Victoria Legal Aid, highlighting the importance of transparency and access to legal assistance.

The court ordered that the matter be adjourned part-heard to a specific date. It further ordered that the father's time and communication with the children during the school holidays be conducted according to the detailed schedule outlined in the orders, and that he be restrained from any other communication. The court also requested Victoria Legal Aid to consider further assistance for the Independent Children's Lawyer's counsel.