Jeffries and Marton

This matter concerned parenting orders for the child [X] Jeffries-Marton, born in 2006. The dispute involved the parents, Ms Jeffries and Mr Marton, and was heard by Judge Small. The court was required to determine the best interests of the child, considering various factors outlined in the *Family Law Act 1975*, including the child's maturity, the parents' characteristics and attitudes towards parenthood, and instances of family violence.

The court's reasoning focused on the detrimental impact of the parents' ongoing conflict on the child, noting that both had prioritised their own emotional needs over [X]'s wellbeing. Judge Small found that the parents had displayed immaturity and a lack of insight, allowing the child to become a pawn in their dispute, which posed a risk to her emotional development. The court also considered allegations of family violence against Mr Marton, noting an intervention order and a subsequent fine for breach, which indicated that some family violence, as defined by the Act, had occurred, instigated by Mr Marton.

Consequently, the court made orders discharging all previous parenting orders and granting the mother sole parental responsibility. The child was to live with the mother and spend time and communicate with the father only at her instigation and in accordance with her wishes. The mother was authorised to obtain an Australian passport for the child, and the child was permitted to travel internationally without the father's consent. The orders also established a framework for supervised reintroduction to the father, mediated through a child psychologist, and detailed specific communication protocols and restrictions for both parents.