CREESE & LAPTHORNE

In *Creese & Lapthorne*, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia considered proceedings concerning a declaration as to a de facto relationship. The specific nature of the dispute between the parties, Creese and Lapthorne, is not detailed beyond the need for a declaration regarding their de facto relationship status.

The primary legal issue before the court was the jurisdiction to make a declaration as to the de facto relationship. This involved determining whether the court had the authority to hear and determine the application for such a declaration.

Benjamin J ordered that the proceedings be transferred to the Sydney Registry of the Family Court of Australia and that the hearing of the declaration as to the de facto relationship be expedited. Directions were given for a directions hearing before a Registrar in Sydney, with specific timelines set for the filing and service of affidavits relating to the jurisdictional argument and the de facto relationship issues.