Raymond and Harold

In the matter of Raymond and Harold, Young J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning parenting issues for a child, S, born in November 2002. The proceedings involved the parents of S and an Independent Children's Lawyer. The court's primary concern was to ensure the best interests of S were met, particularly in light of existing consent orders made on 30 November 2007.

The court was required to determine various parenting issues, including whether a shared equal or sole parenting order was appropriate, with whom S should live, the time S should spend with each parent, the level of communication between parents, the appropriate changeover venue, and how the existing consent orders had operated for S's benefit. Additionally, the court considered the relationship between the parents and how it could be harmonised, as contemplated by paragraph 6 of the consent orders. The court also addressed the disclosure of medical and psychological records pertaining to both parents.

Young J ordered that a Family Report be prepared by a consultant nominated by the Director of Court Dispute Services, who was to confer with the parties and S, if appropriate, to consider all matters and outcomes in S's best interests. The report was to address the specific parenting issues outlined above and was to be completed by 2 September 2008. The court further ordered the father to provide details of any medical or psychological professionals he had engaged with over the past ten years, granting leave for the Independent Children's Lawyer to issue subpoenas for these records. Medical records of the mother, already before the court, were also to be released to the Independent Children's Lawyer for assessment and discussion, with the intent that all relevant matters concerning S's best interests and parenting capacity be disclosed to the Family Consultant and the court. The Family Consultant was directed to consider an earlier report by a psychologist and any updated responses from the parents. The matter was listed for mention on 24 September 2008.