PRENTICE & BELLAS

This matter concerned an application before Justice Murphy in the Family Court of Australia, involving the parties Prentice and Bellas. The dispute centred on orders relating to the location of a child, T Prentice, and the preparation of various reports and the collection of evidence.

The court was required to determine a number of issues, including the provision of original affidavits or an explanation for their absence, the uplift and provision of a DVD exhibit, and the facilitation of a Family Report and psychiatric reports for both parents. Further, the court considered the issuance of subpoenas to various government agencies and the provision of information regarding the child's location.

Justice Murphy made several orders to address these matters. The court adjourned the proceedings for further hearing and directed the mother to file original affidavits or an explanatory affidavit. Leave was granted for the Independent Children's Lawyer to uplift a DVD and provide a copy to the father's solicitors. The parties were ordered to cooperate in the preparation of a Family Report by Ms V and a psychiatric report by an independent psychiatrist, including attending interviews and paying associated fees. Leave was also granted for the Independent Children's Lawyer to issue subpoenas to the Queensland Police Service, Education Queensland, and the Department of Communities (Child Safety Services). The mother was ordered to provide any information she had or obtained regarding the child's location to the Registry Manager forthwith. These orders were to remain in force until the child attained the age of 18 years or until further order, with liberty to apply.