Crafter and Crafter and Ors (No 3)

In the matter of *Crafter and Crafter and Ors (No 3)*, Strickland J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application involving a husband, a wife, and other parties. The dispute concerned financial matters within what appears to be a family law context, with the court issuing a series of procedural orders and cost orders.

The court was required to determine the appropriate procedural steps and timelines for the ongoing litigation, including the filing and service of financial statements and proposed amendments to pleadings. Additionally, the court addressed the allocation of costs between the parties, specifically ordering the husband to pay costs to the wife and the other parties.

Strickland J applied principles of procedural fairness and case management to ensure the orderly progression of the proceedings. The court's reasoning focused on establishing clear deadlines for the parties to present their financial information and any proposed amendments, thereby facilitating a timely and efficient hearing. The cost orders were made in light of the court's management of the case and the conduct of the parties.

The court made several orders, including the return of an affidavit to the husband's solicitors, directions for the filing and service of an updated financial statement by the husband, and the filing of any proposed application for leave to amend the husband's response. Further directions were given for the filing of responses by the wife and other parties, with the application and responses to be listed for hearing. The court also adjourned further consideration of the case generally and ordered the husband to pay specified costs to the wife and the other parties.