In addition to the welfare principle, the court will also consider four key principles:

The Paramount Principle

For the court, the welfare principle is its main concern and priority, which renders the welfare principle 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 beneficial for the child to make an order.

The Presumption Principle

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