The respondent (mother) brought a motion seeking an order for her son C. to continue spending half his time with her, for C. and his mother to attend counselling, and for a police assistance order.
The applicant (father) had allowed C., then age 10, to decide his own custodial care, leading to C.'s estrangement from his mother.
The court found the father's conduct unreasonable, noting he abdicated parental responsibility and breached a separation agreement.
While acknowledging C.'s wishes, the court determined they were influenced and not in his best interests.
The court ordered defined interim access for C. with the mother and granted the mother sole authority to arrange counselling for C. and herself to rebuild their relationship, with costs shared.
The request for a police assistance order was adjourned.
