Ghasemi and Zoka

In the Family Court of Australia, Ms Ghasemi (the applicant) and Mr Zoka (the respondent) were involved in proceedings concerning their child. The core of the dispute, as indicated by the court's orders, related to the potential return of the child to the United States of America, a matter that could also be addressed under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

The court was required to determine the appropriate procedural steps to take in light of the potential Hague Convention application and the need to ascertain the child's wishes. Specifically, the court needed to consider whether a report from a Family Consultant should include an assessment of the child's objections to returning to the United States, the strength of any such objections, and the child's age and maturity in relation to her views.

Justice Kent ordered that a Family Consultant prepare a report pursuant to section 62G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This report was to include specific considerations regarding the child's objections to returning to the United States, the maturity of those objections, and the child's age and maturity. The court also made orders regarding the child's communication with the respondent and adjourned the matter for further consideration.