Bedford & Cusack

In the matter of *Bedford & Cusack*, Strickland J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning the issuance of subpoenas in family law proceedings. The dispute involved the parties' children and the production of documents relevant to the proceedings.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether to grant the father leave to issue subpoenas to specific third parties, namely MR, Manager Kids Helpline, and Dr A, for the production of documents. The Court also considered the application of section 69ZT of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) to the proceedings.

Strickland J granted the father leave to issue the subpoenas as sought, directing that they be returnable before Registrar McMahon on 12 January 2009. The Court also made orders regarding the filing and service of evidence by both the father and the mother, including affidavits from Dr B and Mr N respectively, by 13 January 2009. Furthermore, the Court ordered that the provisions of the *Inclosed* (presumably referring to a specific legislative or procedural instrument) as mentioned in section 69ZT(1) of the *Family Law Act* were to apply to the case, pursuant to section 69ZT(3). The proceedings were then adjourned for further consideration.