MACK & MACK

In *Mack & Mack*, the Family Court of Australia considered applications concerning interim parenting arrangements, child support, and urgent spousal maintenance. The proceedings involved a dispute between the parties regarding the welfare and financial support of their children and one of the spouses.

The court was required to determine several key legal issues. Firstly, it had to assess whether there was a risk of harm to the children if they were to spend time with their father, and consequently, what interim parenting orders were appropriate. Secondly, the court had to consider an application for a departure order in relation to child support. Finally, the court was tasked with determining whether urgent spousal maintenance should be ordered.

Obradovic J's reasoning focused on the paramountcy of the children's best interests in the parenting proceedings, applying the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) regarding risk of harm. In relation to child support, the court considered the relevant legislative criteria for departing from the standard assessment. For spousal maintenance, the court assessed the immediate financial needs of the applicant and the capacity of the respondent to pay.

The court made orders for the children to spend supervised time with the father. The application for a departure order in relation to child support was dismissed. An order for urgent spousal maintenance was made.