GOLDBECK & REDDOCK

This matter concerned parenting arrangements for a five-year-old child, X, who resided with the father. The central dispute between the parties, the father and the mother, revolved around the quantum of time the child spent with the mother each week, with the father alleging a risk of family violence and potential harm to the child in the mother's care. The proceedings were before Judge Young.

The court was required to determine whether the father's allegations of family violence and risk of harm to the child in the mother's care were substantiated by evidence. Furthermore, the court had to consider the paramount consideration of the child’s best interests, specifically whether increasing the child's time with the mother would foster a meaningful relationship with both parents, and what final parenting orders should be made pending further order.

Judge Young found that, at that stage of the proceedings, there was insufficient evidence to support the father's allegations or concerns regarding the mother's care. Applying the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the court prioritised the child’s right to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, provided it was safe to do so. The court concluded that the child should spend three nights a week with the mother.

The court made interim orders, including that the child live with the father and spend time with the mother each week from Wednesday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. Specific arrangements for Christmas 2020 and changeover locations were also ordered, with a direction for changeovers to occur at school once the child commenced schooling. The parties were also ordered to attend a Family Dispute Resolution Conference and to provide the court with a summary of argument and a trial plan prior to a scheduled trial call over date.