Care & Protection
6. Orders the Court Can Make
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 29 Jun 2015
- The court can make orders that it considers are in the best interests of the safety, welfare and well-being of the child.
- The main things the court is concerned with are:
- who has parental responsibility for the child;
- who the child lives with;
- who can spend time with the child;
- when, where and for how long contact visits will be;
- whether or not contact visits need to be supervised; and
- the court may make orders about treatment if there are any medical issues.
- The court may make an order for a court clinician or psychologist to interview the child and relevant family members or carers. After the interview this person will write a report that will be evidence in the case. The report will have some recommendations for the court about the issues. The opinion of this person is usually taken very seriously as they are an independent expert who is concerned with the child’s care, safety and well-being.
- The court can make interim orders. These are short-term orders that are put in place while the matter is before the court. They operate up until final orders are made. Sometimes there are interim hearings to decide what the interim orders should be. This usually happens when parties cannot agree.
- At the end of the final hearing the court will make final orders. In most cases the court can make final orders for a set time period or until the child turns 18 years old.
View more Information on Family Law