Kendrick and Becker

In the matter of *Kendrick and Becker*, heard before Judge Harman, the applicant mother sought to vacate scheduled trial dates. The court was required to determine whether to grant the mother's application to adjourn the proceedings.

The central legal issue was the appropriateness of vacating the trial dates. The court considered the implications of such an adjournment in light of the overarching objective of resolving family law matters efficiently and in the best interests of the child.

Judge Harman dismissed the application to vacate the trial dates, indicating that the parties should proceed with the hearing as scheduled. However, the court also made orders pursuant to section 13C of the *Family Law Act 1975*, mandating that the parties, and any Independent Children’s Lawyer appointed, attend Family Dispute Resolution. This was to occur within seven days of the order, with the aim of completing the process before the next court event. The parties were directed to be ready to proceed with the trial on the original dates.