What it means
An independent children's lawyer (ICL) is appointed by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in parenting cases, often where there are serious concerns such as family violence, abuse allegations, high conflict, or complex needs. The ICL's role is to act on the child's best interests, not to take direct instructions. The ICL gathers evidence, arranges expert reports, and gives the court an independent view of what arrangements would best serve the child. Following recent reforms, ICLs are generally expected to meet with the child unless an exception applies.
How it's used
Because of the family violence allegations, the court appointed an independent children's lawyer to represent the children's best interests.