Mend and Fairbarn

In the matter of *Mend & Fairbarn*, heard by Mushin J, the joint applicants sought to commence adoption proceedings for a child, T, born in July 1998. The dispute concerned the legal framework under which these adoption proceedings could be initiated and the subsequent parental responsibilities and living arrangements for the child.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the joint applicants leave to commence adoption proceedings in a Victorian court, as provided for by section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975*. Additionally, the court needed to make orders regarding the parental responsibility for the child's long-term and day-to-day care, welfare, and development, and specify where the child was to live.

Mushin J granted the joint applicants leave to commence adoption proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction in Victoria, pursuant to section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975*. The court further ordered that the joint applicants would jointly share parental responsibility for all decisions concerning the child's long-term and day-to-day care, welfare, and development, and that the child would live with them. All other applications before the court were dismissed.