O’Connor and O’Connor

In *O’Connor and O’Connor*, the parties were before Justice Cronin in the Family Court of Australia concerning applications for final orders. The proceedings involved complex family law matters, including the welfare of a child, D, and the division of property.

The court was required to determine the procedural steps necessary to bring the matter to a final hearing, including the filing of evidence, financial statements, and outlines of argument. Key issues also included the preparation of a family report by a Dr B, the mother's concerns regarding the impact of previous reports by Dr B on the child, and the attendance of the parties and child upon a psychologist, Ms C, and a senior family therapist. The court also needed to address the valuation of real property and the provision of information regarding the child's psychological and emotional difficulties.

Justice Cronin made detailed orders to manage the progression of the case. These included setting a trial date, requiring evidence in chief to be given by affidavit, and stipulating deadlines for the filing and service of various documents, including financial statements and affidavits. The court also ordered the parties to attend upon a psychologist and a family therapist for the benefit of the child, with costs to be shared. Directions were given for the valuation of real property and for the parties to provide authorities for the family therapist to communicate with the child's psychologist. The orders also outlined the consequences of non-compliance and provided for the parties to consent to certain directions.