Ungar and Stillman

In the matter of *Ungar and Stillman*, heard by Cronin J, the proceedings concerned parenting orders for two children, B and C. The dispute revolved around the arrangements for the children's care and the parental responsibilities of the father and mother.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting orders for the children, considering their welfare and best interests. This involved assessing the capacity of each parent to provide care and the potential impact of various arrangements on the children's physical and emotional well-being. The court also had to consider the role of therapeutic intervention and the involvement of the Independent Children’s Lawyer in facilitating these arrangements.

Cronin J reasoned that the existing parenting orders should be discharged and that the father should have sole parental responsibility for the children, with the children living with him. The court ordered that both parents attend therapy with a qualified professional to develop their relationships with the children, with a focus on protecting them from harm. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was authorised to provide relevant documents to the therapist and to obtain a report from the mother's psychiatrist to assist in the therapeutic process. The court also authorised the therapist to request urinalysis reports from the mother if deemed necessary for developing the mother-child relationship. Liberty to apply was granted to the parents and the Independent Children’s Lawyer for variations, and the Independent Children’s Lawyer was to be discharged from the proceedings on a specified date. All other extant applications for final parenting orders were dismissed.