Elton and Batey-Elton

In the matter of Elton and Batey-Elton, Cronin J considered an application by the wife under section 79A of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) and the husband's response and application for summary dismissal. The wife also sought a review of certain orders made by Registrar Kane.

The court was required to determine the procedural path forward for the wife's section 79A application and the husband's application for summary dismissal, as well as address the wife's application for review of the Registrar's orders. Further issues included the exchange of information between the parties, including specific tax returns and subpoenaed documents, and the appointment of a registrar for case management.

Cronin J adjourned the wife's section 79A application and the husband's summary dismissal application for a final hearing. The court dismissed the wife's application for review of the Registrar's orders and formally withdrew certain parts of the wife's earlier application. Directions were made for the service of questions by the wife, the filing of responses, and the filing of affidavits by both parties. A registrar was appointed to case manage the proceedings, with power to extend time for filing affidavits, provided the final hearing date was not affected. The wife was granted leave to inspect specific subpoenaed documents, with the husband precluded from attending. The husband was also directed to provide certain tax returns to the wife. The court reserved the husband's costs of the day to the trial judge.