SETCHELL & BATTEN (No.2)

In the matter of *Setchell & Batten (No.2)*, Judge Brown of the Family Court of Australia considered interim arrangements for a child approaching three years of age. The proceedings involved allegations of family violence and a dispute over the progression of the father's time with the child, with the central concern being the assessment of risk and the child's best interests.

The court was required to determine the appropriate interim parenting orders, specifically addressing the level of contact the father should have with the child, given the high conflict between the parties and the allegations of family violence. The court also had to consider the principle of fostering a meaningful level of relationship between the child and each parent within the context of an interim hearing.

Judge Brown reasoned that, in light of the allegations and the need for a cautious approach, the child should live with the mother. The father's time with the child was to commence with supervised visits at a children's contact centre for a limited duration and frequency, progressing to unsupervised, shorter periods of time with supervised handovers after an initial period. The court also ordered the parties to attend a family dispute resolution conference to attempt to resolve their differences regarding the child's care, welfare, and development. Further consideration of the matter was adjourned.