Clayman & Berrera

In the matter of *Clayman & Berrera*, Hogan J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by one of the parties for the discharge of an Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL). The core of the dispute revolved around whether the ICL should continue to represent the children's interests in the proceedings.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether the grounds advanced by the applicant justified the discharge of the ICL. This required the Court to assess the conduct and role of the ICL in light of the relevant provisions of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) and the Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth) concerning the appointment and discharge of ICLs.

Hogan J dismissed the applications for the discharge of the ICL. The reasons for this decision, though not detailed in the provided text, indicate that the Court found no sufficient grounds to warrant the removal of the ICL. Consequently, the applications filed on 17 December 2020 and 21 December 2020 were dismissed.