REECE & SEABROOK

This matter concerned an application by the father seeking a change of residence for the child, X, born in 2005. The application was heard by Judge Hughes.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the father's application for a change of residence for X, considering X's mature views, the history of pressure exerted by the father, past instances of violence by the father, and the timing of any potential trial during X's Year 11 schooling.

Judge Hughes dismissed the father's application, applying the principles established in *Rice* and *Asplund*. The court found that any potential benefit to X from a change of residence for less than two years before reaching adulthood was outweighed by the potential detriment of further litigation. The court's decision reflected a consideration of the child's maturity and the impact of ongoing legal proceedings on his well-being.