Firmin & Curtin

In the matter of *Firmin & Curtin*, heard in the Family Court of Australia before Bennett J, the applicant, Mr Firmin, and the respondent, Ms Curtin, were involved in parenting proceedings concerning their child, X. These proceedings had reached a stage where evidence was complete and a decision had been reserved. However, the proceedings were stayed pending the outcome of separate proceedings concerning the same child under child welfare law.

The central legal issue before the court was whether the parenting proceedings should be stayed to await the finalisation of child welfare proceedings involving the child X. The court was required to consider the implications of the ongoing child welfare proceedings on the final determination of the parenting orders.

Bennett J ordered that the parenting proceedings be stayed until further order, or until the mention date of 19 October 2021, or until the child X ceased to be under the care of the Secretary of the Department of Family, Fairness & Housing and subject to any child welfare law order, whichever occurred first. The court directed the independent children's lawyer to notify the court of the progress and finalisation of the Children's Court proceedings. The matter was adjourned for case management on the specified date, with liberty to apply for urgent relisting or administrative adjournment.