James* was having difficulties reaching a custody agreement with his ex-partner, who had moved three hours away from where he lived.
His ex-partner was not letting James see their child, and did not want to negotiate. Bayside Community Legal Service stepped in, and offered mediation, but the ex-partner declined. Following this, James was issued with a domestic violence order, for which Bayside provided further assistance and advice so that he could respond to the application.
The Court struck out the application, and Bayside made a second offer to mediate and reach a conclusion. The ex-partner agreed, and they were able to reach an agreement where James could have time with his child again.
*Not their real name