Milano and Nolan

In the matter of *Milano and Nolan*, heard by Judge Mercuri, the applicant sought orders for payment of specific medical expenses, namely periodontist and dentist fees. The respondent was ordered to pay these sums, with all other outstanding applications adjourned for an interim defended hearing. The case was further adjourned for a final hearing.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether to grant the applicant's request for the respondent to pay her periodontist and dentist fees as a lump sum, pursuant to section 77 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This section allows for the payment of lump sums for specific purposes in family law proceedings.

Judge Mercuri reasoned that the applicant had established a need for these medical treatments and that the respondent had the capacity to meet these costs. The court applied the principles of section 77 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) to award the requested sums. The court also made directions for the future conduct of the proceedings, including an interim hearing and a final hearing, and provided a mechanism for the parties to lodge consent orders if the matter resolved.