VILE & PRABSZIC

In the matter of *Vile & Prabszic*, Rees J of the Family Court of Australia considered a dispute between the parents of a child concerning the child's Christian name, parental time and communication, international travel, and therapeutic intervention. The proceedings involved an application to change the child's registered Christian name and a review of existing orders regarding parental contact and the child's welfare.

The court was required to determine several key issues. These included whether to permit a change of the child's Christian name from "B" to "D", the terms under which such a change should be formally registered, and the discharge or modification of existing orders concerning the father's time and communication with the child. Furthermore, the court had to address the mother's ability to travel internationally with the child, the requirement for family therapy, the disclosure of the child's residential address, and the child's removal from an Airport Watch List.

Rees J reasoned that the child's views and wishes were paramount in determining the nature and extent of parental time and communication, leading to the discharge of previous specific orders and the substitution of more flexible arrangements based on the child's agreement. The court also ordered the formal change of the child's Christian name, outlining a process for its registration and the subsequent application for a passport. Provisions were made for international travel with notice requirements, and the court mandated family therapy, with a shared responsibility for costs after an initial period. The court also ordered the immediate removal of the child from the Airport Watch List and the disclosure of the child's residential address to the father. The Independent Children's Lawyer was requested to explain the orders to the child.