Archibald and McNab

In the Federal Circuit Court, Judge Harman presided over proceedings involving the Father and the Applicant, concerning an application for psychological assessments of the parties. The court also considered an application for orders pursuant to Part 15 of the *Family Law Act 1975*.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether to grant leave for an oral application for psychological assessments and, if so, to determine the merits of that application. The court was also required to manage the conduct of the proceedings, including the filing of evidence, the calling of witnesses, and the preparation for a final hearing.

Judge Harman granted leave for the oral application for psychological assessments but subsequently dismissed it. The court then set a final hearing date for March 2014, with specific directions for the filing and service of affidavit material by both parties. Further directions were given regarding the potential cross-examination of a report writer and any medical practitioners or experts, including notice periods and the reservation of costs. The court also mandated the filing of case outlines by all parties and the Independent Children’s Lawyer, detailing relied-upon material, documents for tender, a chronology, sought orders, and a draft trial plan. Leave was granted to the Independent Children’s Lawyer to issue further subpoenas, and an interpreter was ordered for the hearing.