Howard and Price

The case of *Howard and Price* concerned an application regarding the living arrangements and parental responsibility for a child, D, born in August 1998. The proceedings involved the child's mother and the maternal grandmother, Ms Price.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the child, D, in accordance with Section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975*. This involved considering a range of primary and additional considerations, including the benefit of a meaningful relationship with both parents, the need to protect the child from harm, the child's views, the nature of the child's relationships with relevant persons, the ability of parents to facilitate relationships, the likely effect of changes in circumstances, the practicalities of communication and contact, the capacity of individuals to provide for the child's needs, and any relevant family violence.

Strickland J applied the principles outlined in Section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975* to the facts before the court. The court's reasoning focused on the paramount consideration of the child's best interests, weighing the various factors relevant to D's welfare. The court ultimately made orders that the child D live with the maternal grandmother, Ms Price, who was granted sole parental responsibility. Additionally, an injunction was granted restraining the mother from contacting Ms Price except in emergencies and from engaging in abusive or harassing behaviour towards her.

The court ordered that the child D live with the maternal grandmother, Ms Price, who was to have sole parental responsibility. The mother was restrained from contacting Ms Price except in emergencies and from engaging in abusive behaviour. The appointment of an Independent Children’s Lawyer was discharged, and all applications were dismissed. The orders specified the particulars of obligations and potential consequences for contravention, pursuant to Sections 62B and 65DA(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975*.