Summers and Ritchie

The matter of *Summers and Ritchie* concerned an application by the Mother and a contravention application by the Father, heard by Murphy J in the Family Court of Australia. The dispute revolved around parenting arrangements for a child born in April 2004, with the orders indicating ongoing difficulties in facilitating the Father's time with the child.

The court was required to determine, among other things, the appropriate orders regarding the Father's contact with the child, the facilitation of that contact through an O Contact Centre, and the Mother's compliance with previous and current directions, including attending a medical appointment.

Murphy J dismissed the Mother's application and adjourned the Father's contravention application. Crucially, the court ordered the Mother to take all necessary steps to facilitate the Father's contact with the child at the O Contact Centre, commencing on 1 November 2009 and continuing monthly thereafter. The Mother was also directed to attend a previously scheduled appointment with Dr H, supplementing earlier orders made by the court.