Mottola and Zangari

In the matter of *Mottola and Zangari*, Collier J considered applications concerning the parenting arrangements for a child named S. The proceedings involved an application for a stay of previous orders made by Justice Flohm on 29 April 2010, and variations to those orders. The dispute centred on the living arrangements and parental responsibility for the child S, as well as the process for explaining court orders to the child.

The court was required to determine whether to grant a stay of the existing orders, and if not, to vary those orders regarding the child S's residence and parental responsibility. Further issues included the method by which the child S was to meet with an Independent Children’s Lawyer to understand the court's directions, and the specific arrangements for the child's time with each parent. The court also considered an application for costs.

Collier J refused the application for a stay of the previous orders. The court then varied the orders to provide that commencing 4:30 pm on 4 June 2010, the child S would live with the father, who was to have sole parental responsibility. The mother was directed to ensure the child S met with the Independent Children’s Lawyer at a specified time and location for the purpose of explaining the court's orders. Further orders were made by consent, detailing the arrangements for S spending time with the mother, including collection and return to school, and other periods of time involving collection from and return to the paternal grandmother's home. An amendment was also made to an existing order concerning time with the mother, specifying a three-month period of alternate Saturdays commencing 31 July 2010. The father's application for costs was dismissed.