Sweeney and Hillman

In the matter of Sweeney and Hillman, Bennett J considered an application by the mother concerning parenting orders for the child B. The dispute centred on the arrangements for the child's time with the mother, with the court ultimately discharging previous orders and making new arrangements.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders for the child, specifically addressing the time the child would spend with the mother. This involved considering the existing orders and the mother's application to vary them, as well as the father's response. The court also had to consider the role of an independent children's lawyer and the necessity of an educational assessment for the child.

Bennett J reasoned that the previous orders should be discharged and new arrangements implemented, detailing specific periods of time the child would spend with the mother on alternate weeks and a specific period in late June. The court also directed the mother to arrange and pay for after-school care if she was unable to collect the child. Changeover points were specified, and the independent children's lawyer was directed to make enquiries regarding an educational assessment, with both parents to facilitate this process. The mother's application in a case and the father's response were otherwise dismissed, and the court noted the matter was listed for a final hearing.