The applicant, Vanessa Shea, sought primary care and sole decision-making for her 12-year-old daughter, Roxanna, following the sudden death of the child's father, Robin Shea.
The child had been estranged from the applicant since 2019 and was in the care of her paternal aunts.
Miriam Shea, one of the paternal aunts, brought a cross-motion to be added as a party and for temporary primary residence and decision-making authority.
The court dismissed the applicant's motion, finding her unsuitable as a primary caregiver due to her lack of insight into the child's needs and her inability to prioritize the child's interests over her own.
The court granted the cross-motion, ordering Roxanna to reside with Miriam Shea, who was found to be a suitable and supportive caregiver, and to have day-to-day decision-making authority.
The court also declined to order immediate intensive reunification therapy, prioritizing the child's individual healing from grief.