In addition to the Welfare Principle, the court will also consider four other key principles:

The Paramount Principle

For the court, the welfare principle is its main concern and priority, and therefore the welfare principle is paramount.

The No-Delay Principle

The court assumes that any delay in making a decision in family proceedings brings harm to the welfare of a child.  The court and any lawyers involved have a duty to avoid delay in family proceedings.

The No-Order Principle

 Before an order is made, the court will consider whether it would be better for the child to make an order rather than not.

The Presumption Principle

The court will always assume that the involvement of both parents is beneficial to a child's welfare, unless it is shown otherwise.