OSFERATU & OSFERATU

In the matter of *Osferatu & Osferatu*, Foster J of the Family Court of Australia made orders restraining the husband from further instructing or retaining a specific group of legal practitioners and their firm, Barkus Doolan Family Lawyers. The precise nature of the dispute leading to these orders is not detailed in the provided text, but the outcome clearly indicates a significant issue concerning the husband's legal representation.

The central legal issue before the court was whether to grant an injunction restraining the husband from continuing his engagement with the named solicitors. This involved an assessment of the circumstances justifying such a drastic measure, which would effectively sever the husband's chosen legal counsel.

Foster J's reasoning and the legal principles applied are not fully elaborated in the provided text. However, the issuance of the restraining order suggests the court found sufficient grounds to intervene in the husband's choice of legal representation, likely based on principles related to the proper administration of justice, potential conflicts of interest, or other serious concerns regarding the solicitor-client relationship. The court ultimately ordered that the husband be restrained from further instructing or retaining the specified individuals and the firm. Furthermore, the court directed that any application for costs must be made by way of an Application in a Case, supported by an affidavit, and filed within 28 days.