Morris and Mills

In the matter of *Morris and Mills*, Judge Harman considered an application concerning proceedings initiated on 15 December 2014, with a response filed on 6 March 2015. The court was tasked with determining the procedural path forward for these consolidated applications, including the admissibility of a report writer's evidence and the timeline for filing and serving affidavit material and case outlines.

The court's reasoning focused on managing the progression of the litigation towards a final hearing. Key principles applied included the consolidation of all extant applications to streamline the process, and the establishment of strict deadlines for the exchange of evidence. The court also addressed the potential need for cross-examination of a report writer, setting a clear notice period and outlining consequences for non-compliance. Furthermore, directions were given regarding the filing of case outlines, including reliance on affidavits, proposed tender documents, and chronologies, to ensure preparedness for the hearing.

The court ordered the reinstatement of the initial application and response to the list of cases awaiting hearing, with existing orders made on an undefended basis on 5 November 2015 to continue pending further order. All extant applications were consolidated and listed for a three-day hearing commencing 9 November 2016. Specific directions were issued for the filing of affidavit material by both the applicant and respondent, with a further direction for the applicant to file an answering affidavit if necessary. Leave was granted to the Independent Children’s Lawyer to issue further subpoenas, with specific requirements for their filing, service, and inspection of produced material. Finally, parties were permitted to submit signed Terms of Settlement to chambers for orders to be made in chambers and hearing dates vacated if the matter was resolved.