Miller and Brass

In the matter of *Miller and Brass*, Dawe J considered parenting orders sought by the parties concerning their child, S. The dispute involved arrangements for the child's time with each parent and the father's communication with the child.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders, including the nature of the child's time with the father and the specifics of their communication. A key issue was the need for a comprehensive assessment of the child's relationship with each parent and the benefit of spending time with the father, as well as the father's communication skills.

Dawe J directed the Independent Children’s Lawyer to provide the father with a Case Outline document. Crucially, the court ordered a Family Consultant to prepare a report addressing the parenting orders sought, focusing on the child's relationship with each party and the advantages of the child spending time with the father. This report was to include observations of the child with the paternal grandparents, subject to their consent, and observed interactions between the child and each parent. The court also made specific orders regarding telephone contact between the father and the child, contingent on the father's payment of child support for November and December 2010 by a specified date. The matter was adjourned for further directions.