Katic and Katic

In the Family Court of Australia, Cronin J presided over proceedings involving the parties Katic and Katic, concerning a dispute that necessitated the vacation of a final hearing and its adjournment to a later date. The proceedings also involved an application for leave to intervene by a Mr B.

The court was required to determine several matters, including the timing of the final hearing, the filing and service of further affidavit material by the husband, and the conditions under which Mr B would be permitted to intervene. Additionally, the court had to address the payment of a partial property distribution from the husband to the wife, as well as costs thrown away by the wife and the Independent Children’s Lawyer.

Cronin J ordered that the final hearing be vacated and adjourned to 14 October 2013 as a four-day matter. The husband was directed to file and serve any further response and affidavit material by 23 August 2013. Leave was granted for Mr B to intervene, with directions for the filing of a statement of claim and further affidavit material by 28 June 2013. The husband was ordered to pay the wife $60,000 by way of partial property distribution by 25 June 2013. Furthermore, the husband and the intervener were jointly and severally ordered to pay costs thrown away by the wife and the Independent Children’s Lawyer by 22 July 2013. The orders included provisions for the wife to apply to relist the case and proceed on an undefended basis should the husband or intervener fail to comply with the stipulated orders. General liberty to apply on short notice was also granted.