Branson & Anor and Barton

In the matter of *Branson & Anor and Barton*, Collier J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the applicant grandparents against the mother concerning contravention applications. The dispute involved allegations of contravention of court orders, and the court was tasked with determining the merits of these allegations and the appropriate orders to be made.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether the mother had contravened existing court orders, and if so, what consequences should follow. The court also had to consider the costs associated with the proceedings, particularly in light of the contravention applications and the broader dispute between the parties.

Collier J ultimately dismissed all applications and cross-applications made by the parties. The court ordered the mother to pay the applicant grandparents costs in relation to contravention applications heard on 21 March 2011, in the sum of $4,000, payable within 18 months. Further, the mother was ordered to pay one half of the grandparents' costs from 3 May 2011 until the conclusion of the hearing, payable within two and a half years of agreement or assessment. All issues were to be removed from the Active Pending Cases List, and subpoenaed material was to be returned after 56 days.