Gray & Catlyn

In the matter of *Gray & Catlyn*, heard by Cleary J, the applicant mother sought parenting orders concerning two subject children, including permission to relocate permanently with the children. Interim parenting orders were in place. The respondent father had been ordered to undergo hair strand and CDT testing for illicit drugs in anticipation of the trial. The results of these tests were positive for drugs, and a Single Expert Report was commissioned, which highlighted the father's history of drug use.

The central legal issue before the court was how to interpret the results of the drug testing and the implications of the Single Expert Report. The report had the potential to corroborate the mother's evidence regarding the father's drug use and to undermine his credit, depending on its interpretation. The father made an application for an adjournment on the final day of the trial, after all evidence had been presented, arising from the implications of this report.

Cleary J considered the application for adjournment in light of the completed evidence and the significant impact the Single Expert Report could have on the proceedings. The court noted that draft orders had been provided to the parties for consideration regarding the wording of an order and for the matter to be relisted to settle and make the orders.

No final orders were made on 11 December 2020. The court noted that draft orders had been provided for the parties' consideration.