Getting a Contravention Application Right
A Parenting Court Order imposes obligations on the parents to comply with (and facilitate) the orders that are made. When one parent fails to comply with an order, the other parent may bring a Contravention Application against them.
The court deals with Contravention Applications in a strict manner, due to the penalties that can be imposed. As a result, it is important to get your Contravention Application “technically” right from the start.
Example
In a recent case, the court dealt with a Contravention Application by the father, which alleged that the mother had breached 3 parenting orders by “obstructing the organising of time between the father and the child…”. The father’s application did not contain any specific allegations relating to any of the orders that he alleged had been breached. The court found it was “vague” and in “generalised terms”.
Ultimately, the court found that the father had not established a contravention by the mother, on any of 3 counts.
Requirements
A person is found to have contravened an order, where they have either:
- a) intentionally failed to comply with the order; or
- b) made no reasonable attempt to comply with the order.
When drafting a contravention application, it is important to specify whether you say the other party either intentionally failed to comply or made no reasonable attempt to comply.
An applicant in a contravention matter must show the court that:
- a) An order exists (whether an interim or a final order); and
- b) The respondent has contravened the order.
You must state, clearly and concisely, the facts you rely upon to demonstrate the contravention. If you allege that more than one order has been contravened, and contravened on more than one occasion, deal with each alleged “breach” separately. Making one statement to cover all alleged contraventions, as happened in this matter, is not advisable.
As the court deals with Contravention Applications strictly, it’s important to get advice early. To speak with one of our experienced family lawyers, please contact our Brisbane office today to organise a no-obligation initial appointment at a fixed-cost. Call us on (07) 3221 4300 or fill in our online form here.