Orontes and Somoza (No. 2)

In *Orontes and Somoza (No. 2)*, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning a child born in 2006. The dispute involved the mother, Ms Somoza, and the father, Mr Orontes, regarding the arrangements for their child.

The court was required to determine the future living arrangements for the child, the nature of parental responsibility, and the extent and nature of the father's contact with the child. Specific issues included whether the father should be prohibited from attending the child's school and the terms under which any future contact between the father and child should occur, particularly in light of the need for a safe environment.

Benjamin J discharged all previous parenting orders and ordered that the child live with the mother, with both parents to have equal shared parental responsibility. The father was prohibited from attending the child's school without consent. Crucially, for a period of twelve months, the father was permitted to arrange supervised contact with the child for up to one hour on six occasions, facilitated through Child Dispute Services, provided the child was willing to attend. No other orders for time or communication were made, with the court noting the particulars of obligations and consequences of contravention in an attached Fact Sheet. The appointment of the Independent Children’s Lawyer was extended for twelve months by consent.