Lightning and Servant

In the matter of *Lightning and Servant*, Bell J of the Family Court of Australia considered applications concerning parenting matters for two children, A and J. The dispute involved ongoing proceedings between the parents, with the court ultimately making orders regarding the dismissal of outstanding applications, the future institution of proceedings, and costs.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders to be made in light of the parties' conduct and the history of the proceedings. Specifically, the court had to consider whether to dismiss all outstanding applications, impose restrictions on future parenting proceedings, and allocate the costs of the litigation.

Bell J ordered the dismissal of all outstanding applications. Furthermore, neither party is permitted to commence new proceedings in the Family Court concerning the parenting of the children except with the leave of the Court, with such applications to be initially listed before Bell J or another judge. The Respondent was ordered to pay the Applicant's costs of an application filed on 8 October 2009, less an amount of $7,532.33, which is to be set off against any debt owed by the Applicant Father to the Child Support Agency. The Mother was granted leave to reinstate proceedings solely in relation to costs, and a scheduled Directions Hearing was vacated.