SHEEDY & CAIRNS

This matter concerned an application before Cleary J in the Family Court of Australia regarding the parenting arrangements for a child, B. The dispute centred on the living arrangements for the child and the terms of contact with the father, as well as related therapeutic and testing requirements.

The court was required to determine the interim orders concerning the child's residence, the process for reintroduction to the father, the nature and frequency of the child's time with the father, and the requirements for drug and alcohol testing for the parents. Additionally, the court needed to address the procedure for notification of any change of residence for the child and the listing of the matter for future directions and a family report.

By consent of the parties, Cleary J made orders that the child, B, would live with the mother. The court further ordered that the Independent Children’s Lawyer would nominate a suitably qualified psychologist or counsellor to assist the mother in the reintroduction process with the father. The mother was directed to attend sessions with this expert, accompanied by the child and potentially another individual, C. The child was to spend supervised time with the father, commencing within three months, at a frequency of at least once per month, with supervision to be provided by an accredited service or a specified contact centre. Both parents were ordered to undertake supervised drug urinalysis, with the father also to undergo carbohydrate-deficient transferrin testing upon written request from the Independent Children’s Lawyer. The mother was also ordered to provide 28 days' written notice of any intended change of residence for the child. The matter was adjourned for directions and the preparation of a family report on 9 February 2016.