McMurphy and McMurphy

In the matter of McMurphy and McMurphy, Justice Cronin of the Family Court of Australia presided over proceedings concerning a dispute between the parties. The specific nature of the dispute is not detailed, but the orders indicate it involves issues requiring the attendance of an Independent Children’s Lawyer and the completion of parenting and financial questionnaires, suggesting family law matters, likely concerning children and finances.

The court was required to determine the procedural steps necessary to advance the resolution of the dispute. This included setting a date for a less adversarial trial, defining the requirements for parties and their legal representatives in preparation for that trial, and managing the filing of further evidence. The court also considered the role of an Independent Children’s Lawyer in assisting to define the issues in dispute.

Justice Cronin ordered that all outstanding applications be listed for a first day of a less adversarial trial on 16 October 2008. The parties and their lawyers were directed to attend this hearing. No further affidavit material was to be filed without leave. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was to arrange for Mr L to attend the trial to assist in defining the issues, subject to the parties agreeing to the associated costs. In preparation, each party was ordered to complete and file the Court’s parenting and financial questionnaires by 10 October 2008. Furthermore, the lawyers for each party were to provide them with a letter detailing incurred and anticipated costs, and make a copy of this letter available to the Court. They were also to provide their clients with a copy of s 69ZN of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).