Oliveri and Oliveri (No. 2)

In *Oliveri and Oliveri (No. 2)*, Berman J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the mother to vary existing interim parenting orders. The mother sought to discharge orders for the children to spend time with the father, proposing instead that such time occur at a contact centre and be professionally supervised pending a suitable arrangement. She also sought a psychological assessment of the father. The father opposed these applications.

The central legal issues before the court were whether the existing interim parenting orders should be varied to provide for professionally supervised time between the father and the children, and whether a psychological assessment of the father was warranted. These considerations were framed within the overarching principle of the best interests of the children, particularly in light of allegations of family violence and concerns raised by the mother regarding the father's parenting skills and the adequacy of supervision of his time with the children.

Berman J adopted a cautious approach to the interim parenting arrangements, acknowledging the need to prioritise the children's safety and well-being. The court had regard to the family report, which recommended professionally supervised and reduced time for the father. Consequently, the court varied the existing orders to provide for the children to spend time with the father on alternate Saturdays and Sundays between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm, commencing on specific dates in July 2020.