SALEM & STRETCH

In the matter of *Salem & Stretch*, heard before Judge Scarlett, the dispute concerned parental responsibility and living arrangements for a child. The respondent mother sought leave to proceed ex parte, indicating the father's absence or non-participation in the proceedings. The court was required to determine the appropriate orders regarding the child's upbringing, specifically who should have sole parental responsibility and where the child should live.

The court's reasoning, as evidenced by the orders made, indicates a determination that the respondent mother should have sole parental responsibility for the child. Consequently, the court ordered that the child live with the mother. The discharge of the Independent Children’s Lawyer suggests that the court was satisfied that the child's best interests were adequately represented or that the proceedings had reached a stage where such representation was no longer necessary.

The final orders reflect the court's decision to grant the respondent mother sole parental responsibility and to order that the child live with her. No order for costs was made, implying that each party was to bear their own legal expenses.