HAROLD & OLSON

In the matter of HAROLD & OLSON, Judge Brown of the Family Court of Australia considered interim arrangements for a child of approximately two years of age amidst high conflict between the parents. The dispute concerned the primary residence of the child and the nature of the time the child would spend with each parent.

The court was required to determine the child's best interests in the context of interim orders, considering the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility and the factors enumerated in section 60CC of the *Family Law Act*. The court also had to consider the nature and purpose of an interim hearing in high-conflict family law proceedings.

Judge Brown reasoned that at the interim stage, the court's primary focus is on the immediate welfare of the child. While the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility is a starting point, it can be displaced if it is not in the child's best interests. The court applied the principles of section 60CC, weighing the various factors to arrive at orders that would provide stability and safety for the child pending further determination.

The court ordered that the child live with the father, with specific provisions for the mother to deliver the child to the father. The child was to spend time with the mother on an alternating weekly basis, with specific days and times outlined. The parties were also ordered to attend a family dispute resolution conference with a family consultant and the proceedings were adjourned for directions.