Stubbs and Stubbs

In *Stubbs and Stubbs*, the parties were before the Court concerning parenting orders for their children, D and Z. The proceedings involved a dispute regarding the children's best interests and the parents' involvement in their care, particularly in light of a recommended approach by a hospital.

The central legal issue before the Court was how to best ensure the children's welfare and facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the proposed medical treatment and parental involvement. This required the Court to consider the appropriate representation for the children and the necessary investigations to inform its decision-making.

The Court ordered that the children, D and Z, be separately represented, with the Legal Services Commission of South Australia to arrange this representation, noting a preference for Mr Terry Stephen due to his prior involvement. Each party was directed to provide all filed materials to the Legal Services Commission within seven days. Furthermore, the Independent Children’s Lawyer was tasked with consulting the parties and conducting necessary enquiries to provide a full understanding of the hospital's recommended approach for D's best interests and parental involvement. By consent, the father's time with the children, as previously ordered, was suspended during the adjournment period.