Oak and Oak

In the matter of *Oak and Oak*, heard before Burr J, the dispute concerned the living arrangements and parental responsibility for a child born in August 1996. The applicant, the child's maternal grandmother, sought orders for the child to live with her and for her to have sole parental responsibility. The respondent was the child's father.

The central legal issue before the court was to determine the best interests of the child in relation to their residence and parental responsibility, considering the existing family dynamics and the welfare of the child. The court was also required to consider the appropriate arrangements for the father's time with the child and the role of an Independent Children's Lawyer.

Burr J ordered that the child live with the applicant maternal grandmother and that she have sole parental responsibility. The court further ordered that the father spend such time with the child as is agreed between the parties. The appointment of the Independent Children’s Lawyer was discharged, and all matters were removed from the pending list.