Parton and Lam

The parties in this matter were Parton and Lam, with the dispute concerning orders relating to their child, B. The decision was made by O’Reilly J in the Family Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the child, B, including where B would live and the time B would spend with each parent. Further issues included provisions for telephone communication between the child and parents, communication protocols between the parents regarding the child's welfare and safety, and the child's ongoing engagement with mental health services. The court also considered the role and discharge of the independent children's lawyer and the dissemination of various reports and assessments to relevant government departments.

O’Reilly J made orders discharging previous orders and establishing new arrangements for the child, B. The child was ordered to live with the father and spend time with the mother on Saturdays. Specific provisions were made for telephone communication, including the child's liberty to call either parent privately and the father's obligation to call the child daily when in the mother's care. The father was also directed to ensure the child was known to the mother's neighbours for emergency contact and to arrange for professional education for the child regarding risks. The mother was ordered to keep the father informed of her plans for the child, including travel. Both parents were directed to facilitate the child's ongoing attendance at the Child and Youth Mental Health Service.

The court granted leave for the independent children's lawyer to publish specific documents, including transcripts, assessments, and psychiatric reports, to the Department of Communities (Child Safety) and the Child and Youth Mental Health Service. The Department of Communities (Child Safety) was requested to advise the father of any concerns regarding the mother. The independent children's lawyer was to be discharged upon provision of these documents. All outstanding applications were dismissed.