Roberts and Inkster

In the matter of Roberts and Inkster, Young J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the management and progression of a property settlement dispute between a husband and wife. The proceedings involved the wife seeking property and financial orders under section 79 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

The court was required to determine the procedural steps necessary to advance the property settlement proceedings. This included establishing timelines for the parties to file their respective applications, affidavits, and financial statements, as well as outlining the process for disclosure of financial information and the inspection of bank documents. The court also considered the role of a Registrar in managing the file and facilitating conciliation.

Young J ordered the appointment of a Registrar to oversee the file. The wife was directed to file an application for property and financial orders, a supporting affidavit, and a financial statement within 28 days. The husband was then required to file his response and an affidavit detailing the parties' net assets within a further 21 days. The Registrar was empowered to conduct a telephone conference to assess the preparedness of the proceedings and potentially schedule a financial conciliation date. Leave was granted for the wife to inspect and copy documents produced by the National Australia Bank and ANZ Bank, and for the husband's solicitor to inspect other subpoenaed documents. The case was to remain docketed to Young J, with the issue of the parties' personal attendance at future court events reserved to the Registrar or Young J.