Geddes and Quentin & Anor

In *Geddes and Quentin & Anor*, heard before Baumann J of the Family Court of Australia, the maternal grandmother sought to prevent a psychiatrist, Dr C, from assessing her as a single expert in proceedings concerning her grandchildren. The specific nature of these proceedings, beyond the involvement of the maternal grandmother and the children, is not detailed in the provided text.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether the application by the maternal grandmother to prohibit Dr C's assessment as a single expert should be granted. This required the Court to consider the appropriateness of appointing a single expert in the circumstances and the grounds, if any, upon which such an appointment could be challenged by a party.

Baumann J dismissed the maternal grandmother's application. While the specific reasoning is not elaborated upon in the provided text, the decision implies that the Court found no sufficient grounds to prevent Dr C from undertaking the single expert assessment. The Court's decision to proceed with the appointment, or at least not to prohibit it, suggests an assessment that such an expert opinion was necessary or appropriate for the proper determination of the proceedings.

Consequently, the Court ordered that the maternal grandmother's application be dismissed and adjourned the proceedings for a case management hearing to be held on 9 December 2020 in Townsville.