Padnall & Padnall (No 3)

In *Padnall & Padnall (No 3)*, Berman J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the husband for leave to tender further evidence from a chartered accountant and to adduce further evidence from him at the final hearing. The dispute concerned financial matters within the context of divorce proceedings.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether to grant the husband leave to introduce new documentary evidence and expert testimony from his chartered accountant. This involved an assessment of whether such evidence was necessary or desirable for the proper and just determination of the financial proceedings.

Berman J granted the husband's application, allowing the introduction of four specific reports from the chartered accountant dated 14 October 2013, 3 December 2013, 4 January 2014, and 26 September 2014. The court also permitted the husband to adduce further oral evidence from the accountant at the final hearing. The order reflects the court's discretion to admit evidence that it considers relevant and helpful to resolving the financial aspects of the marriage breakdown.