Mace and Mace

In the matter of *Mace and Mace*, heard before Barry J of the Family Court of Australia, the proceedings concerned a dispute between the parents regarding their child, M. The court was required to make orders concerning the preparation of an updated Family Report, the attendance of the parties and the child at appointments, and the issuance and inspection of subpoenaed documents. Additionally, the court addressed the arrangements for the child's time with the Father.

The court determined that an updated Family Report was necessary for the proper case management of the proceedings. It was also required to consider the existing orders of the court and make appropriate directions regarding the child's living arrangements during the Father's time with M. The court's reasoning focused on ensuring the child's best interests were paramount in the ongoing litigation.

Barry J ordered an adjournment of the proceedings for a case management review. The court discharged a previous order and directed that an updated Family Report be prepared by Ms B, a Family Consultant, or another report writer as directed by the Independent Children’s Lawyer. The report writer was granted leave to review filed and subpoenaed documents. The parties and the child were ordered to attend all necessary appointments for the report's preparation. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was granted leave to issue subpoenas, and all parties were permitted to inspect subpoenaed documents, with specific provisions for the Independent Children’s Lawyer regarding copies. By consent, until further order, the Mother was to deliver the child to the Father's residence for his time with the child, and the Father was to return the child to the Mother's residence at the conclusion of that time.