Skinner and Finn and Anor

This matter concerned an application for final orders regarding the parental responsibility and living arrangements for a child, X. The applicant was the child's father, Mr Skinner, and the respondents were the child's maternal step-grandmother, Ms Finn, and the child's mother, Ms A Finn. The proceedings were heard by Judge Burchardt.

The central legal issues before the court were: (a) who should have sole parental responsibility for the child; (b) where the child should live; and (c) the nature and extent of the father's and mother's time with the child. The court was required to determine what orders were in the best interests of the child, considering the evidence presented.

In reaching its decision, the court applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly those relating to the paramountcy of the child's best interests. The court's reasoning, though not detailed in the provided text, led to orders that Ms Finn have sole parental responsibility for the child, and that the child live with Ms Finn. The father's time with the child was significantly restricted, limited to sending cards, letters, and presents for special occasions. The mother was permitted to spend time with the child as agreed with Ms Finn.