Wales and Maric

In the matter of Wales and Maric, heard before Judge Altobelli, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for a child born in 1999. The court made several orders regarding the child's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, communication, and participation in a specific program.

The primary legal issues before the court were the determination of appropriate parenting orders, including the child's residence and time with each parent, and the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL) to represent the child's best interests. The court also considered orders to protect the child from parental conflict and to facilitate the child's engagement with support services.

The court ordered the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer for the child, requesting the Legal Aid Commission of New South Wales to provide representation and directing the parties to furnish all relevant documents and orders to Legal Aid. Leave was granted to the ICL to issue subpoenas, access documents produced by subpoena, and relist the matter on short notice. Crucially, all prior parenting orders were suspended. The court imposed restraints on the parties regarding abusive or critical communication towards or in the presence of the child, and from discussing proceedings within the child's sight or hearing, with an exception for the father to inform the child about the orders made. The child was ordered to live with the father, with specific provisions for the child to spend time with the mother, including weekend visits and telephone communication. Both parents were directed to facilitate the child's enrolment and participation in the Anchor program. The matter was adjourned for mention, with leave granted to relist on seven days' notice regarding the implementation of the orders. The ICL was requested to meet with the child if deemed appropriate and was at liberty to explain the orders made.