Roberts and Mansfield

In *Roberts and Mansfield*, Strickland J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the living arrangements and time spent with a child. The dispute involved the parents' applications and responses regarding the child's welfare.

The court was required to determine the interim living arrangements for the child, the conditions under which the father would spend time with the child during an adjournment, and the need for separate representation for the child. The court also considered the provisions of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) regarding child representation and the consequences of contravening court orders.

Strickland J ordered that the child live with the mother during the adjournment period. The father was granted time with the child on specific days, subject to strict conditions including residing with the child, not engaging in employment while caring for the child, and adhering to designated handover procedures and locations. The father was also ordered to file an affidavit detailing his living and employment arrangements and his care proposals. Crucially, the child was ordered to be separately represented by an Independent Child’s Lawyer, with both parties directed to provide documents to expedite this appointment. The matter was adjourned for further consideration, with the court noting the inclusion of a fact sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravening the orders.