A separated father sought custody of two young children and disputed the quantum of child support and alleged arrears.
The court assessed the credibility of both parents, allegations of substance abuse, and the results of repeated investigations by child protection authorities and police.
The Office of the Children’s Lawyer recommended sole custody to the mother with defined access to the father, and that recommendation was uncontested.
The court found the father’s allegations largely unsupported and determined that the children’s best interests were served by maintaining the existing status quo.
Sole custody was granted to the mother with access to the father, and the father’s income was imputed for the purpose of determining ongoing child support.
