By By Hazel Osborne, Open Justice reporter of ofPhoto: 123RFA top divorce lawyer says the case of a man being ordered to pay the private school fees of his step-daughter, despite divorcing her mother and never being the girl's legal guardian, is rare but may put couples off forming a blended family.
Jeremy Sutton said the Family Court decision, made by Judge Andrea Manuel last year, could be a disincentive to blended families and for step-parents forming bonds with their partner's children.
This included Taylor's daughter Caitlyn*, who Sydney showered with expensive gifts including a second-hand Louis Vuitton handbag.
This was disputed by Taylor who said Sydney had provided for her daughter as a father would.
"We were in a marriage, we were married, and that was part of his supporting [Caitlyn] as her father," Taylor said.