Nagel & Clay

In the matter of *Nagel & Clay*, Harper J made orders by consent between the applicant father and the respondent mother. The proceedings concerned the family law matters of the parties, including the appointment of a single expert to prepare a Family Report regarding the children.

The court was required to determine the terms of the consent orders, including provisions for the appointment of a single expert, the preparation of a joint Balance Sheet detailing the parties' financial positions, and the filing of affidavits for a final hearing. The court also needed to ensure that the orders complied with the requirements of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) regarding contravention.

Harper J's reasoning focused on facilitating the resolution of the dispute by establishing a clear procedural framework. The court applied principles of procedural fairness and efficiency by setting specific timelines for the parties to exchange financial information and evidence. The orders mandated the collaborative preparation of a joint Balance Sheet with footnotes to explain any discrepancies, and required the parties to file consolidated affidavits for the final hearing. The court also directed the filing of a clean certified typescript of the consent orders, including any variations, and explicitly included particulars of obligations and consequences of contravention pursuant to s.65DA(2) of the Act.

The court ordered that all extant applications be adjourned to 5 November 2019 for mention or callover.