COLLINS & CRAWFORD

In *Collins & Crawford*, heard before Judge Bender, the mother sought sole parental responsibility for the parties' seven-year-old daughter, that the child live with her, and spend no time with the father. The mother alleged a history of severe emotional and physical violence perpetrated by the father against her, and that the child was exposed to significant family violence. Conversely, the father denied any violence during the relationship and accused the mother of fabricating a history of family violence to prevent him from having a relationship with the child. The father sought a reintroduction of time with the child, followed by a gradual increase, ultimately leading to him having sole parental responsibility, the child living with him, and spending time with the mother.

The central legal issue before the court was to make a finding of fact regarding the parties' mutual allegations of violence and fabrication. This determination was crucial for assessing the best interests of the child, which is the paramount consideration in parenting proceedings. The court was required to weigh the credibility of each party's account in light of the allegations of family violence and the potential impact on the child.

Judge Bender found that the mother's allegations of violence were substantiated. In reaching this conclusion, the court applied the principles of assessing the best interests of the child, which include considerations of the child's safety and well-being. Given the findings of family violence, the court determined that it was not in the child's best interests to have any time with the father.

Consequently, the court ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the child. The child was ordered to live with the mother, and the father was ordered to spend no time with the child.