Henley and Henley

In the matter of *Henley and Henley*, Austin J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning the care and welfare of a child of the parties. The specific nature of the dispute leading to this application is not detailed, but the orders indicate a focus on obtaining expert advice regarding the child.

The primary legal issue before the Court was the need for a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the child's care, welfare, and development. To address this, the Court was required to determine the appropriate mechanism for obtaining such an assessment and the directions necessary to facilitate it.

Austin J ordered that a Family Consultant, selected by the Director of Child Dispute Services, prepare a fresh Family Report. This report was to address all matters relevant to the child's care, welfare, and development. To enable the Family Consultant to prepare the report, both parties were directed to attend interviews and observation sessions with the consultant, and to ensure the child's attendance. The Family Consultant was also granted leave to inspect the court file and subpoenaed documents. The proceedings were adjourned for further procedural directions, and the parties' applications for interim or procedural relief were dismissed, with no order as to costs.