Khalifa and Khalifa (No 2)

In the matter of *Khalifa and Khalifa (No 2)*, heard by McClelland J, the parties were engaged in parenting proceedings concerning their children. A central dispute involved the appointment of a single expert, particularly in light of the mother's recent mental health episode. The father and the Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL) sought the appointment of a qualified psychiatrist.

The court was required to determine whether a qualified psychiatrist should be appointed as a single expert and to outline the scope of that expert's report. Additionally, the court needed to address the application of Rule 15.47 of the *Family Law Rules 2004* (Cth) concerning the costs associated with the single expert.

McClelland J reasoned that the mother's mental health concerns necessitated the appointment of a qualified psychiatrist. The court ordered the appointment of Dr E as a single expert to report on matters relating to the welfare of the children, including their risk of harm, their relationships with various family members, the mother's mental health and its impact on parenting, and the effect of any changes in circumstances. The court also appointed Dr G as a single expert to provide a detailed analysis of the parties' pathology and toxicology test results. The costs of Dr E were to be met in accordance with Rule 15.47, with the father initially directed to provide funds to the ICL to pay into Legal Aid NSW's trust account. The costs of Dr G were to be shared equally between the parties, with each party to pay their half into the Legal Aid NSW trust account.