Achebe and Okigbo

In the matter of *Achebe and Okigbo*, Hogan J of the Family Court of Australia was required to make orders concerning the conduct of proceedings and the adducing of evidence. The dispute involved allegations with potentially serious consequences for eight children, where neither party's first language was English.

The primary legal issue before the court was the management of evidence and the timeline for its presentation, particularly concerning the mother's intention to rely on evidence from individuals beyond those who had already filed affidavits. The court also considered the need for forensic analysis and the implications for legal aid for the parties.

Hogan J reasoned that a structured approach to evidence was necessary to ensure a fair and efficient hearing, given the complexity of the case and the language barriers. The court ordered that if the mother intended to rely on new witnesses, their affidavits must be filed by a specific date, failing which their evidence would be excluded. The father was granted a limited opportunity to file replying affidavits. The court also directed the Independent Children’s Lawyer to provide the judgment to Legal Aid Queensland and respectfully requested that Legal Aid Queensland consider the judgment when determining the parties' applications for legal assistance, acknowledging the case's complexity and the parties' circumstances.