Masters & Pedrosa

In the matter of *Masters & Pedrosa*, heard by Newbrun J, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child born in 2018. The proceedings involved Ms Masters as the applicant and Mr Pedrosa as the respondent.

The court was required to determine whether there had been a significant change in circumstances since the final parenting orders of 24 September 2019, justifying fresh parenting orders in the child's best interests. It also needed to consider the terms of any new orders, including the nature and extent of contact between the child and the father, and the father's mental health.

Newbrun J found that a significant change in circumstances had occurred, necessitating fresh parenting orders. The court's reasoning was guided by the primary consideration of the child's best interests, as stipulated by section 60CC of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This involved assessing various factors, including the nature of the child's relationship with each parent, the parents' capacity to provide for the child's needs, and the potential impact of any changes in circumstances. The court noted the father's admission to a psychiatric hospital due to adverse mental health and the mother's concerns regarding the child's well-being.

The court ordered that the final parenting orders of 24 September 2019 be suspended and that the child spend professionally supervised time with the father. The parties were ordered to share the costs of this supervision and to complete intake procedures at the designated centre. Furthermore, the father was directed to undergo a mental health assessment and obtain a diagnosis and treatment plan, with the costs to be borne by him. The proceedings were transferred to the Family Court of Australia at Parramatta for a mention date.