Pandetikis and Manna

In the matter of *Pandetikis and Manna*, Justice Cohen of the Family Court of Australia considered an application for leave to commence adoption proceedings. The applicant, Ms Pandetikis, sought to adopt a child, J, born in July 1999, along with her husband, Mr C. The application was made in the State of New South Wales.

The primary legal issues before the Court were whether to dispense with the requirements of section 60I of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) and whether to dispense with the service of the application on the natural father, Mr Manna. The Court was also required to determine whether to grant leave to the applicants, as prescribed adopting parents, to commence adoption proceedings under section 60G of the *Family Law Act*.

Justice Cohen reasoned that dispensing with the requirements of section 60I and the service on the natural father was appropriate in the circumstances. The Court then granted leave to the applicant and her husband, Mr C, to commence adoption proceedings in New South Wales for the child J.