NARDINI & NARDINI

In the matter of *Nardini & Nardini*, heard by McClelland J, the dispute concerned interim parenting orders for children whose mother had experienced mental health issues. The children were residing with the father and spending supervised time with the mother. The mother sought to increase her time with the children, proposing supervision by her parents instead of a professional service. The father supported increased time but wished for continued professional supervision.

The court was required to determine whether to vary the existing interim parenting orders to allow for increased unsupervised or differently supervised time between the mother and the children, or to maintain the current arrangements pending a final hearing. The central legal issue was the appropriate interim parenting arrangement that best served the children's welfare, considering the mother's mental health and the father's concerns regarding supervision.

McClelland J reasoned that due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the extent of the mother's recovery from her mental illness, it was appropriate for the children's time with her to remain supervised by a professional service. The court found that the existing interim parenting orders constituted an appropriate arrangement pending the final determination of the matter. Consequently, no additional orders were made regarding increased or altered supervision arrangements at this interim stage. The court confirmed the final hearing date and set out detailed directions for the filing and service of evidence, including medical reports and non-medical affidavits, as well as outlines of argument and proposed orders.