Walkin and Walkin

In the matter of *Walkin and Walkin*, heard before Justice Cronin, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for the parties' three children. The proceedings involved applications and orders made by the Local Court at Albury, which were subsequently discharged by the Family Court.

The court was required to determine the appropriate interim parenting orders for the children, S, M, and N, and to ensure their welfare and best interests were paramount. This included considering the need for independent assessment of the family situation and the separate representation of the children.

Justice Cronin ordered that the children attend upon a Family Consultant for the preparation of a Family Report, and that the children be separately represented by an Independent Children’s Lawyer. The court also made detailed interim orders regarding the children's living arrangements and time with each parent, which were to be implemented until the wife obtained suitable accommodation. These orders were to be accompanied by a Fact Sheet outlining the obligations and consequences of contravention.