Idanov & Dunstable (No. 2)

In the matter of *Idanov & Dunstable (No. 2)*, the applicant, Mr. Idanov, sought orders against the respondent, Ms. Dunstable, concerning alleged contraventions of a family law order. The specific nature of the contravention related to a child and the absence of contact, with the reasons for this lack of contact being unclear. The court, presided over by Cronin J, was asked to consider an application for a warrant for the arrest of Ms. Dunstable, which was granted on the basis of her evasive material.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether Ms. Dunstable had contravened the existing family law order, and if so, what orders should be made. A significant aspect of the proceedings involved the court's consideration of issuing a warrant for the respondent's arrest due to her non-attendance and the lack of explanation for her absence and the cessation of contact with the child. The court also had to determine the appropriate orders regarding costs.

Cronin J reasoned that the issuance of an arrest warrant was justified given Ms. Dunstable's failure to attend court and her evasive conduct, which prevented the court from understanding the reasons for the lack of contact with the child. The court found that Ms. Dunstable had contravened the family law order. Consequently, the court adjourned the contravention application for a further hearing and ordered that a warrant issue for Ms. Dunstable's arrest, with provisions for her release on bail upon undertaking to attend the adjourned hearing. Furthermore, the court ordered Ms. Dunstable to pay the applicant's costs, fixed at $2677.