SCVG & KLD

In the matter of SCVG & KLD, Cronin J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parental responsibility and living arrangements for two children, B and C. The proceedings involved the mother and the father of the children, with an Independent Children’s Lawyer also appointed. The dispute concerned the future care and welfare of B and C.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders, including who should have parental responsibility, where the children should live, and the nature and extent of the father's contact with them. Additionally, the court considered whether to restrain the father from making future applications concerning the children and the reasonableness of engaging counsel.

Cronin J ordered that all existing parenting orders be discharged and that the mother have sole parental responsibility for B and C, with the children to live with her. The father was prohibited from having any face-to-face time with the children. Communication was permitted via telephone on Sundays at 6 pm, facilitated by the mother, and through cards, letters, and presents sent to the Independent Children’s Lawyer for 12 months, after which direct communication with the children was allowed. Pursuant to section 118 of the *Family Law Act 1975*, the father was restrained from bringing further applications concerning the children without leave. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was discharged from 1 March 2016. The court also certified that it was reasonable to engage counsel.