The paramount consideration in any parenting case is determining what is in the best interest of the child. There are a range of factors that should be considered. However, as the High Court demonstrated recently in Bondelmonte v Bondelmonte, not all factors are given equal weight. This practical session looks at how the court assesses what is in the best interest of the child. It covers:

• What does “best interests of the child” mean?
• Understanding the primary and additional considerations under the Family Law Act
• Children’s express wishes and views – what weight are they given?
• Spotlight on the High Court’s decision in Bondelmonte v Bondelmonte [2017] HCA 8
• Parental alienation – how do the courts respond?
• Court delays in determining parenting matters – how does this impact parental responsibility?
• Recent cases