CAO & TRONG

In *Cao & Trong*, the wife sought a fourth interim order for funding for her legal representation. The husband opposed the application. The matter came before Wilson J in the Family Court of Australia.

The central legal issue was whether the wife had demonstrated sufficient grounds to justify a further interim order for funding, particularly given the proximity of the recommencement of a part-heard trial. The court was required to consider the wife's financial position, the nature of the proceedings, and the likelihood of any property settlement being reversible.

Wilson J dismissed the wife's application, reasoning that there were no new circumstances to warrant a further interim order for funding. The judge noted that the property settlement was unlikely to be reversible and that the part-heard trial was scheduled to recommence in a short timeframe. The court's decision reflected a consideration of the stage of proceedings and the wife's prior applications for similar relief.

The wife's amended application was dismissed, and the resumption of the part-heard trial was confirmed for 24 May 2021. Costs were reserved.