Bahar and Sohrab

In the matter of Bahar and Sohrab, Watts J of the Family Court of Australia considered a dispute between a husband and wife concerning financial matters and proceedings in Iran. The wife had indicated her consent to an order restraining her from continuing claims against the husband in Iran, pending further court orders. The husband sought to vacate a hearing scheduled in Canberra and made other applications for interim orders, while the wife sought to consolidate her application with the final hearing.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the wife's consent orders restraining her from pursuing financial claims in the Family Court of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including claims for compensation for marriage duration, delay in remittance, alimony, and mandatory payments under Iranian Civil Law. Additionally, the court had to decide on the husband's application to vacate the scheduled hearing and other interim applications. The court also needed to manage the procedural aspects of the case, including the filing and service of affidavits, expert valuations, objections to evidence, and the preparation of a trial plan.

Watts J made several orders, including restraining the wife from continuing proceedings in Iran for financial matters. The husband's application to vacate the hearing was dismissed, as were his other applications for interim orders. The wife's application was adjourned to be consolidated with the final hearing. The court also issued directions regarding the preparation of balance sheets, the filing and service of various affidavits, including those from single experts and potential witnesses from Iran, and the resolution of objections to evidence. The parties were directed to confer and prepare a draft trial plan for a five-day hearing. The court reserved costs for the day.