Wallis and Anor and Solomon and Ors

This case involved a dispute between the paternal grandparents (Wallis and Wallis) and the maternal grandmother and mother (Solomon and others) concerning the time the child, J, would spend with each party. The matter was heard by Justice Austin.

The court was required to determine the specific arrangements for the child's time with the paternal grandparents, the mother, and the father. This included establishing schedules for contact, communication, and holiday arrangements, as well as addressing issues of supervision, residence, and the parties' conduct in the child's presence. The court also had to consider and make orders regarding the parties' participation in counselling and dispute resolution, and address allegations of abuse that had been raised during the proceedings.

Justice Austin made detailed orders regarding the time the child would spend with the paternal grandparents, the mother, and the father, outlining specific days, times, and holiday periods. The court also imposed various restraints on the parties, including prohibitions on being under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances in the child's presence, denigrating other parties, and exposing the child to family violence or corporal punishment. The orders also mandated counselling for the maternal grandmother, paternal grandparents, and the mother, and required the maternal grandmother and paternal grandparents to engage in mediation. The court noted that allegations of abuse raised by the paternal grandparents had been investigated and found to be unsubstantiated, and that the parties had jointly proposed the orders made.