Lowe and Hobson and Anor

In the matter of *Lowe and Hobson and Anor*, Cronin J of the Family Court of Australia considered applications concerning parenting and financial matters. The proceedings involved an applicant, Mr Lowe, and two respondents, Ms Hobson and another party referred to as the second respondent.

The court was required to determine whether Ms Hobson should be joined as a respondent to the proceedings, and to make orders regarding interim parenting issues, disclosure of documents, valuation of real property, and costs. The court also considered other outstanding interim applications.

Cronin J ordered that Ms Hobson be joined as a respondent pursuant to s 90SM(10) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The court adjourned outstanding interim parenting issues to a later date before a Senior Registrar. Directions were made for the filing of a response by the second respondent, and for the exchange and provision of documents for disclosure. The applicant was granted leave to obtain a valuation of real property, with the respondents to facilitate this process at the applicant's expense. The parties were also directed to attend a conciliation conference.

Save for parenting matters, all other interim applications were dismissed. The second respondent was ordered to pay the applicant's costs fixed at $4000, with a stay on payment for four months. Reasons for judgment were to be transcribed and made available to the parties.