Merritt and Richards and Ors

In the matter of *Merritt and Richards and Ors*, Cronin J considered applications made by the mother and the father. The specific nature of the dispute between the parties is not detailed in the provided text, but it is clear that the proceedings involve children and financial matters, as indicated by the references to an Independent Children’s Lawyer and financial statements.

The court was required to determine the procedural steps necessary to advance the final hearing of the matter. This included setting a timetable for the filing and service of amended applications, responses, affidavits of evidence, and financial statements by the respective parties. The court also addressed the method of evidence presentation, directing that evidence in chief be given by affidavit, and considered the issuance of subpoenas for document production.

Cronin J made orders for the mother to serve specific documents on the first respondent and for her solicitor to engross minutes of the court's decisions. The court adjourned all applications and fixed the matter for a final hearing on 1 February 2016, subject to any part-heard cases, estimating it as a three-day hearing. A detailed timetable was established for the parties to file their respective documents, with strict deadlines to ensure readiness for the final hearing. The court also stipulated that any affidavits filed outside this timetable would not be relied upon without leave.