RIGBY & OLSEN

In the matter of *Rigby & Olsen*, Rees J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning the welfare of a child, B. The proceedings involved disputes between the parents regarding the child's living arrangements and time spent with each parent.

The primary legal issue before the court was the appointment of an independent children's lawyer (ICL) to represent the child's best interests. The court was also required to determine interim parenting orders governing the child's residence and time with each parent, with specific conditions regarding supervision and handover arrangements.

Rees J applied section 68L(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) to appoint an ICL for the child B, requesting the Legal Aid Commission of New South Wales to arrange this representation. The court reasoned that such an appointment was necessary to ensure the child's voice and interests were adequately considered in the proceedings. The judge also made interim orders for the child to live with the mother and spend specified time with the father, subject to supervision by paternal grandparents or Ms C, and with specific handover protocols designed to minimise direct contact between the parents.