Padley & Padley

In the matter of *Padley & Padley*, heard by Harper J, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child born in 2013. The mother had filed an Amended Application in a Case on 30 January 2020, seeking specific orders.

The court was required to determine whether certain paragraphs of the mother's application should be dismissed and, in relation to the remaining issues, how the court should proceed to gather further evidence to inform its decision on parenting arrangements. A key consideration was the need to investigate allegations of sexual abuse made by the child.

Harper J ordered the dismissal of paragraphs 2 and 3 of the mother's Amended Application. The court further directed the parties and the Independent Children’s Lawyer to confer and prepare a proposed agreed form of order. This order would appoint Dr H as a single expert to prepare an updated report. The report was to specifically inquire into and report upon the considerations outlined in section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), with a particular focus on disclosures of sexual abuse made by the child, as well as any other relevant matters Dr H deemed pertinent. The parties were to submit this proposed order by 9:00 am on 4 September 2020.