PALMER & STYLES

In the matter of *Palmer & Styles*, Berman J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the mother for the summary dismissal of an Application for Contravention filed by the father. The father's application alleged that the mother had contravened certain parenting orders.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the father's Application for Contravention should be summarily dismissed. This required the court to assess whether the application had sufficient merit to proceed to a full hearing or if it was so lacking in substance that it should be terminated at an early stage.

Berman J refused the mother's oral application for summary dismissal. The court noted that the parties were to attend Section 60I Family Dispute Resolution counselling. Consequently, the father's Application for Contravention was adjourned for further hearing following the completion of this counselling.