Catipani and Reneri & Anor

In the matter of *Catipani and Reneri & Anor*, heard before Cronin J, the wife sought leave to proceed on an undefended basis in family law proceedings. The husband was the respondent, and an intervener was also involved. The proceedings concerned applications for final orders.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the wife should be granted leave to proceed on an undefended basis. This determination would impact the procedural path of the final hearing.

Cronin J ordered that, subject to any contrary order made by the trial judge on 7 June 2013, the wife would have leave to proceed on an undefended basis. The court further directed that all applications for final orders be adjourned for hearing before Justice Cronin on 7 June 2013, to be heard as a one-day matter. The evidence in chief of all witnesses was to be given by affidavit. The applicant was required to file and serve an amended application, affidavits of evidence in chief (distinct from those used in previous hearings), and a financial statement compliant with Chapter 13 of the Family Law Rules by 4 pm on 31 May 2013. Copies of these orders were to be served on the husband and the apparent intervener. The costs of the applicant for that day were reserved, and it was certified that engaging counsel was reasonable.