Taube and Taube

In the matter of *Taube and Taube*, heard by Judge Betts, the dispute concerned parenting orders for two children, [X] born in 2012 and [X] born in 2006. The court was required to determine the continuation of existing parenting orders, specifically regarding supervised time with the father, and to consider the expressed wishes of the older child. Further, the court needed to address allegations of family violence and potential alcohol abuse by the father, as well as the mother's capacity to foster the children's relationship with the father and her proposed relocation.

The court's reasoning involved a comprehensive assessment of the children's best interests, guided by sections 60CC and 65DAA of the *Family Law Act 1975*. To facilitate this assessment, the court ordered the parties and children to attend an interview with a family consultant for the preparation of a Family Report. This report was to consider various factors, including the children's developmental and emotional states, their relationships with their parents and other significant persons, the children's wishes, the proposed and actual home environments, and any risk issues. The court also directed the father to undergo Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin (CDT) testing for alcohol abuse.

The court made several orders, including the continuation of existing parenting orders for the younger child and for the older child, subject to his expressed wishes. The proceedings were adjourned for a final hearing in 2019, with directions for the filing of amended applications and the provision of the Family Report. The court also dispensed with certain procedural rules to allow the family consultant access to subpoenaed documents and made specific notations regarding the mother's obligation to encourage the children's attendance at supervised visits with the father.