Sealey and Allcorn

In the matter of *Sealey and Allcorn*, heard by Judge Young, the dispute concerned competing applications for parenting orders in relation to a child born in 2016.

The court was required to determine the nature of parental responsibility and the specific arrangements for the child's time with each parent, considering the child's best interests. The court also needed to address the need for a family assessment to inform its decision.

The court ordered that the parties have equal shared parental responsibility for the child. The child was to remain with the father until a specified date and then spend time with him on alternate Thursdays until the following Sunday, provided the father was not engaged in paid employment during that time. The court further ordered that a family assessment be carried out by a nominated assessor, with the report to address the child's views, relevant factors under the *Family Law Act 1975*, and any other matters pertinent to the child's welfare. The costs of this assessment were to be borne equally by the parties. The matter was adjourned for further consideration.