Michaels and Linden

In the matter of Michaels and Linden, heard before Dessau J of the Family Court of Australia, the application concerned leave to commence adoption proceedings. The applicants, Mrs Michaels and Mr Michaels, sought to adopt a child born in July 2001.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether to grant leave pursuant to section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) for the adoption proceedings to commence. This section governs the circumstances under which proceedings relating to children can be initiated.

Dessau J granted leave to the applicants. The Court's decision was based on the specific provisions of section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975*, which allows for the commencement of such proceedings upon the Court granting leave. The reasons for this decision were to be transcribed and retained on the court file, with copies provided to each party.