O’Laughlin and Akkad and Anor

In the matter of *O’Laughlin and Akkad and Anor*, heard before Watts J, the dispute concerned interim parenting orders for a child named B. The parties involved were the mother, Ms O’Laughlin, the father, Mr Akkad, and the paternal grandmother, who sought to participate in the proceedings. The proceedings were adjourned due to the late filing of material by the paternal grandmother, which prevented the mother from filing a reply, and the father's unrepresented status pending a legal aid application.

The court was required to determine several legal issues, including the terms of interim live with, time with, and contact arrangements for the child B, as well as orders restraining the removal of the child from Australia and from approaching or coming within 100 metres of the mother. Additionally, the court needed to consider orders regarding the child's exposure to certain conduct and the provision of contact details between parties. The court also addressed the separate representation of the child.

Watts J applied principles of family law concerning the best interests of the child in making interim orders. The court made orders for B to live with the mother until a further hearing, with specific alternate weekend and overnight time arrangements for the paternal grandmother, including collection and delivery protocols. The child was to spend time with the father as agreed between him and the paternal grandmother, with the father residing with the paternal grandmother. Restraining orders were continued, preventing the removal of the child from Australia and placing her on a watch list. The mother was also restrained from exposing the child to sexually explicit imagery, conduct, language, or activities related to her business. The court also ordered that B be separately represented pursuant to s 68L of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).