ANGELIS & REGOLI

In the matter of ANGELIS & REGOLI, heard before Judge Brown, the dispute concerned an application for care arrangements for a five-year-old child. The mother alleged that the father had abused the child and, following the parties' separation, had unilaterally relocated with the child. The central consideration for the court was the best interests of the child.

The court was required to determine the appropriate care arrangements for the child, specifically addressing the mother's relocation and the allegations of child abuse. The court also had to consider the various matters relevant to the best interests of the child under the applicable legislation.

Judge Brown reasoned that the paramount consideration was the child's welfare. While acknowledging the mother's allegations, the court found it necessary to facilitate some contact between the child and the father, albeit under supervision. The court applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) regarding the best interests of the child, which includes considerations of the child's safety, the need to protect the child from harm, and the importance of maintaining a meaningful relationship with both parents where it is in the child's best interests.

The court ordered that the child spend time with the father each Sunday from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, commencing on 22 November 2020. These exchanges were to occur at a children's contact centre under supervision. Furthermore, an injunction was granted restraining the mother from moving the child's place of residence from the Adelaide metropolitan area. The matter was adjourned for further directions.