The moving parties sought a final parenting order granting primary care, decision-making responsibility, and related tax-benefit relief for two children.
The court declined to grant the requested final order, finding concerns about the validity and informed nature of the consent, the responding party’s apparent capacity, service and party-composition deficiencies, and insufficient evidence on child support and financial arrangements.
The court held that legal representation must be appointed for the responding party as a potential special party under the Family Law Rules.
The matter was directed to return promptly, with additional service and evidentiary steps ordered.
