Barakat and Barakat (No 2)

In *Barakat and Barakat (No 2)*, heard by McClelland J, the applicant wife sought an adjournment of the final hearing on its fifth day. The dispute concerned allegations that the respondent husband had failed to disclose an interest in a trust established by his mother, which had subsequently acquired property. During the hearing, it was revealed that a development application had been lodged concerning this property, and new material had been produced under subpoena in relation to it.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the applicant wife's application for an adjournment of the proceedings. This decision was to be made in light of the recent revelations regarding the trust property, the development application, and the production of new documentary evidence.

McClelland J granted the adjournment, acknowledging the significance of the newly disclosed information and the need for the applicant to properly investigate and address it. The court also made orders concerning the amendment of a subpoena to the National Australia Bank to include further documentation and a specific entity, with the applicant wife to bear the bank's expenses. The matter was adjourned to specific dates for further hearing, and the husband's application for costs thrown away was deferred. Additionally, by consent, interim orders were made regarding a separate application, the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer, and the provision of documents to the Legal Aid Commission.