Noels and Zane-Richards and Ors

In the matter of *Noels and Zane-Richards and Ors*, Justice Austin of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the mother for an adjournment of the father's Amended Application in a Case filed on 28 April 2010. The court also dealt with various interim orders concerning the children's time with both parents, supervised by an intervenor, Mr. Richards, and therapy with Dr. V.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether to grant the mother's adjournment application and to determine the interim arrangements for the children's time with their parents and their participation in therapy. The court was required to balance the children's welfare with the parents' respective applications and the recommendations of professionals involved in the case.

Justice Austin refused the mother's application for an adjournment. The court made orders by consent and pending further order, continuing existing orders made by Judicial Registrar Johnston on 1 April 2010. Crucially, the court ordered that the children spend time with the mother for two hours each Wednesday and six hours each Sunday, with this time to be supervised by Mr. Richards. Furthermore, the parties were ordered to ensure the children's attendance at therapy with Dr. V, as directed, with a view to restoring the children's relationship with the father. The court also made provision for the children to spend time with the father each Saturday, subject to conditions including the completion of counselling sessions with Dr. V, and at Dr. V's discretion regarding the commencement, duration, supervision, and venue of such time. The mother's application in a case filed on 18 June 2010 was dismissed, though leave was granted for her to issue a fresh application encompassing the dismissed orders. The matter was referred for a final hearing date allocation.