Read the full judgment text of HCMP 2173/2014 on BabelCite. This High Court CFI judgment was delivered on 16 May 2017 before B Chu J.
Child custody – Relocation – Wardship – Best interests of the child – High conflict parents – Care and control – Primary carer – International child abduction – Guardianship of Minors Ordinance – Access arrangements. The court determined the care and control of a minor child born to an Australian father and Singaporean mother following the mother's removal of the child to Singapore in 2014. The court found the mother was the primary carer prior to removal and during the Singapore period. The court refused the mother's application to relocate the child to Singapore at this stage due to high conflict between the parties and uncertainties regarding the child's living arrangements. The court granted the mother sole care and control of the child, varying the previous interim order. The child remains a ward of the court. Defined access arrangements were made for the father, including weekend stays and daily telephone contact. The court directed the parties to exchange financial information and attend a direction hearing for financial provision. The court emphasized the paramountcy of the child's best interests in determining custody and relocation matters.
Legal issues: Care and Control · Relocation · Wardship
Outcome: Mother granted sole care and control of L; Relocation application refused; L remains a ward of court; Financial provision direction hearing fixed.
Cites 2 cases