Worth and Worth

In the matter of *Worth and Worth*, Tree J considered an application concerning the welfare of a child. The dispute centred on the child's resistance to spending time with the father, and the potential role of the mother in this resistance.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate course of action to address the child's difficulties in maintaining a relationship with the father. Specifically, the court needed to ascertain the reasons for the child's resistance, whether parental alienation by the mother was a factor, and the potential impact of such issues on the child's well-being. Furthermore, the court sought recommendations for therapeutic interventions and the potential consequences of any change in the child's living arrangements.

Tree J ordered the joint appointment of Dr J, a Clinical Psychologist, to undertake intensive family therapy. Dr J was directed to provide a comprehensive report to the court addressing the child's resistance, potential maladaptive behaviours or alienation by the mother, the impact of these issues on the child, and recommendations for treatment. The report was also to consider the implications of a change in living arrangements to reside with the father and any necessary treatments to facilitate such a transition. The father was initially made responsible for Dr J's fees, subject to further order.