Collins & Anor and Sillitoe

In the matter of *Collins & Anor and Sillitoe*, Foster J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by Ms Collins and Mr Collins (the applicants) for leave to commence adoption proceedings concerning a child, B. The application was made pursuant to section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

The central legal issue before the Court was whether to grant the applicants leave to commence adoption proceedings. In determining this, the Court was required to consider the best interests of the child, B, as mandated by section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This involved assessing various factors relevant to the child's welfare in the context of the proposed adoption.

Foster J granted leave to commence adoption proceedings, finding that it was in the best interests of the child, B, to do so. The Court also made orders for equal shared parental responsibility for B between Ms Collins and Mr Collins, and that B live with them. Consequently, the proceedings were removed from the pending cases list.