(1) The court must
give effect to the principles in this section —
(a) in
performing duties and exercising powers (whether under this Division or
otherwise) in relation to child-related proceedings; and
(b) in
making other decisions about the conduct of child-related proceedings.
(2) Failure to give
effect to the principles does not invalidate the proceedings or any order made
in them.
(3) Regard is to be
had to the principles in interpreting this Division.
(4) The first
principle is that the court is to consider the needs of the child concerned
and the impact that the conduct of the proceedings may have on the child in
determining the conduct of the proceedings.
(5) The second
principle is that the court is to actively direct, control and manage the
conduct of the proceedings.
(6) The third
principle is that the proceedings are to be conducted in a way that will
safeguard —
(a) the
child concerned from being subjected to, or exposed to, abuse, neglect or
family violence; and
(b) the
parties to the proceedings against family violence.
(7) The fourth
principle is that the proceedings are, as far as possible, to be conducted in
a way that will promote cooperative and child-focused parenting by the
parties.
(8) The fifth
principle is that the proceedings are to be conducted without undue delay and
with as little formality, and legal technicality and form, as possible.
[Section 202B inserted: No. 35 of 2006 s. 105;
amended: No. 13 of 2013 s. 19.]