Haynes & Graf

In the matter of *Haynes & Graf*, Gill J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning disclosure of documents and the progress of visa applications. The dispute involved the mother, who remained resident in the United States, and the father, in relation to their child, X. Both parties had pending applications for permanent residency visas with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

The court was required to determine the extent of disclosure the mother should provide to the father regarding her visa application and her cooperation with the DHA concerning the father's visa application for the child. Additionally, the court needed to consider the future conduct of the proceedings in light of the pending visa determinations.

Gill J ordered the mother to serve upon the father, within seven days, written confirmation that she had provided specific contact details and information to the DHA to progress the father's visa application for the child. The mother was also ordered to disclose all correspondence received from the DHA concerning her own permanent residency application, specifically confirming it had been cleared on all aspects except for an updated medical examination and a consent form. The father was permitted to provide the DHA with copies of the court's orders. The proceedings were adjourned until the earlier determination of either the mother's or the father's visa application, with both parties ordered to keep each other informed of any changes in their visa application status. The matter was transferred to the Registrar's list pending these developments, and the father's costs were reserved.