De Zobra and De Zobra

In the matter of *De Zobra and De Zobra*, heard before Watt J, the husband had filed an application alleging contravention by the wife. The wife sought to rely on a report dated 22 August 2008, prepared by one Ms P, in her defence of this application.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether Ms P, the author of the report, should be required to attend court for cross-examination. The court also considered the procedural steps necessary to ensure the report and Ms P's qualifications were properly before the court for the adjourned hearing.

Watt J ordered that the husband's contravention application be adjourned. Crucially, the wife was directed to ensure Ms P's attendance at court for cross-examination regarding her report. The wife was also required to file and serve an affidavit annexing the report and detailing Ms P's qualifications, along with her own affidavit in defence of the contravention application, by specified dates. The wife was ordered to pay the husband's costs of the day occasioned by the adjournment, fixed at $3500, with the question of payment time to be determined at the adjourned hearing.