Department of Communities and Justice and Hallsbury and Ors (No 2)

This matter concerned an application filed by Ms Hallsbury on 14 April 2020, and a response filed by the Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice. The dispute related to the living arrangements for a child named X. The proceedings were before Gill J.

The court was required to determine the applications made by both parties. Specifically, it needed to consider the application brought by Ms Hallsbury and the interim application made by the Secretary. The court also needed to set directions for the further preparation of the matter for trial, including addressing the availability of further evidence, the witnesses to be called and the subject of their evidence, the factual matters relevant to determining X's living arrangements, and the orders each party would seek at the final hearing.

Gill J dismissed both Ms Hallsbury's application and the Secretary's interim application. The court then listed the matter for further directions on 18 May 2020, to be conducted by videolink. At this directions hearing, the parties were to be prepared to address specific issues concerning the gathering of evidence, the identification of witnesses and their anticipated testimony, the factual determinations necessary for deciding X's living arrangements, the provision of any necessary professional assistance or courses for the parties, and the final orders sought by each party.