Watson and Anor and Summers

In the matter of *Watson and Anor and Summers*, heard before Forrest J, the applicants, Ms Watson and Mr Watson, sought leave to make an application for the adoption of a child, B, born in 2008. The application was made pursuant to section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) and concerned the adoption of the child by his step-father, Mr Watson.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether to grant the applicants leave to proceed with their application for adoption under the *Adoption Act 2009* (Qld). This required the Court to consider the specific criteria and circumstances under which such leave would be granted in the context of the *Family Law Act 1975*.

Forrest J granted the applicants leave to make the application for adoption. The Court's decision was based on the specific provisions of section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975*, which allows for such applications to be made in circumstances where it is in the best interests of the child and where the Court is satisfied that it is appropriate to grant leave. The Court's order reflects its determination that the applicants met the necessary threshold for leave to be granted.