Watson & Anor and Gibbs

The applicants, Mr and Mrs Watson, sought leave from the court to commence adoption proceedings for the child B, born in 2008, by his step-parent, Mr Watson. The proceedings were brought under section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

The primary legal issue before Hogan J was whether to grant the applicants leave to commence adoption proceedings. This required the court to consider the best interests of the child, B, in determining whether to permit the step-parent adoption.

Hogan J granted the applicants leave to commence adoption proceedings. The court's decision was based on the specific circumstances of the case and the overarching principle of acting in the best interests of the child, as mandated by the *Family Law Act 1975*. The order reflects the court's determination that allowing the adoption proceedings to proceed was appropriate in this instance.