BARKAS & BARKAS

This matter came before Justice Hartnett concerning applications made by the parties in relation to children's orders, property settlement, and litigation funding. The dispute involved the husband and wife, with specific orders being made regarding the management of their financial affairs and the progression of their legal proceedings.

The court was required to determine several issues, including the variation of existing orders concerning financial withdrawals, the compliance of the husband with previous orders, and the scheduling of various applications. These included applications for an advance of property settlement and litigation funding, as well as applications for final property orders. The court also needed to establish clear directions for the filing and service of amended applications, affidavits of evidence, and financial statements by both parties.

Justice Hartnett's reasoning focused on managing the proceedings efficiently and ensuring readiness for trial. The court varied existing orders to permit the husband to withdraw up to $10,000 without the wife's consent, while also clarifying that withdrawals exceeding this amount would require consent. Directions were given for the husband to comply with a prior order within five days and for the applicant to provide an undertaking regarding damages flowing from injunctions. The court adjourned the husband's substantial financial applications for an interim hearing and set a date for the final property orders hearing. Further directions were issued for the parties to file amended applications, evidence, and financial statements, with specific deadlines and provisions for objections to evidence and the filing of further material. The court also noted provisions regarding family violence and the cross-examination of parties under section 102NA of the *Family Law Act 1975*.