Beckem and Beckem

In the matter of *Beckem and Beckem*, Mushin J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application for recovery orders concerning four children. The wife sought the recovery of the children, J, S, H, and D, who were to be delivered to her forthwith, as she was the person entitled to their residence pursuant to prior court orders made on 8 December 2006.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether to issue a recovery order under s 67U of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) to facilitate the return of the children to the wife's care. The court also considered the practical arrangements for the execution of such an order and the need for further information regarding the children's welfare.

Mushin J reasoned that the circumstances warranted the issuance of a recovery order, authorising various law enforcement officers to find and recover the children and deliver them to the wife. The court further ordered that the wife be permitted to be present during the execution of the recovery order, if practicable. Additionally, pursuant to s 62G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), a Family Consultant was directed to prepare a family report, including interviews scheduled for 7 October 2008, and to provide an oral report to the court at a subsequent hearing.

The court made orders for the expedited engrossment of the order and adjourned all extant applications for hearing by video-link on 9 October 2008. Liberty was reserved to all parties to apply on short notice. The court certified that the matter reasonably required the attendance of counsel.