Scoskinski and Szok

In the matter of *Scoskinski and Szok*, heard before Watts J, the dispute concerned the surname of a female child born in October 2005. The child was registered with the surname Szok, but the parents, the mother and father, were using a different surname, Scoskinski, for her. This led to an application for orders regarding the child's surname.

The central legal issue before the court was whether to make orders restraining the parents from using a surname other than Szok for the child and requiring the child to use only that surname. A further issue arose concerning the mother's use of surnames, with a specific question as to whether she should be restrained from using any surname other than Szok, subject to her consent.

Watts J reasoned that the court had the power to make such orders under the relevant family law legislation, particularly where it was in the best interests of the child. The judge considered the implications of the child being known by two different surnames and the potential confusion and difficulties this could create. The court ultimately made orders restraining both the mother and father from using any name other than Szok for the child and mandating that the child use only that surname. Additionally, with the mother's consent, she was restrained from using any surname other than Szok.