Ritchie and Coleman

In the matter of Ritchie and Coleman, Judge Newbrun made orders concerning the preparation and dissemination of a Family Consultant's report. The proceedings involved parties seeking orders related to the care of children.

The court was required to determine the scope of the Family Consultant's report, specifically the matters to be investigated and reported upon, in accordance with section 62G of the *Family Law Act 1975*. The court also needed to establish the process for the report's completion, its provision to the parties and any Independent Children's Lawyer, and the circumstances under which it could be further disclosed.

The court ordered that a Family Consultant, nominated by the Manager Child Dispute Services, prepare a report addressing various aspects of the children's circumstances, including their views and the weight to be given to them, their relationships with parents and other significant persons, the likely effect of changes in their circumstances, the capacity of each parent to meet their needs, and the characteristics of the children and their parents. The report was to be completed at least four weeks before the adjourned date, and parties were directed to ensure the children's attendance at all requested appointments. The court also set out conditions for the Family Consultant's access to court documents and specified the limited circumstances under which the report could be further disclosed, requiring written objection within 14 days of its release to prevent wider distribution to specified bodies. The proceedings were adjourned for mention following the report's release.