ZEELAN & ABNEY

In the matter of *Zeelan & Abney*, Judge Harman of the Family Court of Australia considered interim care arrangements for a young child, X, amidst competing allegations of family violence and a conceded volatile and conflictual relationship between the parents. The court was tasked with determining whether time between the father and child required supervision, considering the concept of unacceptable risk, the significant geographic distance between the parents, and the impact of COVID-19 on the health of the mother and child, including social distancing and isolation measures.

The court's reasoning focused on the paramount consideration of the child's best interests, which necessitated certainty and safety. Judge Harman determined that the father should be required to travel to and obtain accommodation in the area where the child resides for any periods of time. The court found that time or changeovers occurring in a public place were ill-advised and contraindicated given the circumstances.

Pending further order, the child X was ordered to live with her mother, Ms Abney. The father, Mr Zeelan, was granted the option to elect specific periods of time with X, either each Saturday or each alternate weekend, with the father to provide accommodation in or about the Town B area. The mother was to facilitate the child's delivery to and collection from this accommodation. The father was also granted daily FaceTime communication with X, and both parents were ordered to provide immediate notification of any COVID-19 diagnosis or significant illness concerning themselves, their households, or X. The matter was adjourned for further mention and directions, with the court noting the purpose of the adjournment was to facilitate the interim arrangements, encourage further negotiation, and prepare for a potential trial if issues remained unresolved. The parties were also directed to engage in Family Dispute Resolution.