Dunstan & Dunstan

In the matter of *Dunstan & Dunstan*, Ms Dunstan and Mr Dunstan applied to the court for leave to commence proceedings for the step-parent adoption of a child. The application was heard by Hogan J in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether to grant the applicants leave to commence proceedings for the adoption of the child, X, by Mr Dunstan, pursuant to section 60G(1) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). Additionally, the court considered an application to dispense with the usual requirement to serve the Initiating Application and supporting affidavits.

Hogan J granted the applicants leave to commence adoption proceedings. The court also dispensed with the requirement for service of the Initiating Application and supporting affidavits, finding it appropriate in the circumstances of the case. The orders were subsequently amended to correct the spelling of the child's name.