Sienna and Sienna and Ors

In the Federal Circuit Court, Judge Bruce Smith considered an application by Ms A Sienna (the second respondent) and Mr B Sienna (the third respondent) to be joined to parenting and property proceedings involving the first respondent and the applicant. The paternal grandparents sought to intervene in these proceedings.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the paternal grandparents leave to intervene in the existing family law proceedings. Additionally, the court needed to address the status of a subpoena issued to the third respondent and outline the procedural steps for the ongoing litigation, including disclosure obligations, the preparation of a Family Report, and arrangements for a Financial Conciliation Conference.

The court granted the second and third respondents leave to intervene pursuant to Rule 11.03 of the Federal Circuit Court Rules. The obligation to comply with a subpoena issued to the third respondent was stayed pending further order. The court also ordered that each party comply with their obligations for full and frank disclosure within 28 days, and that the second and third respondents file and serve their supporting material within the same timeframe, while being excused from filing a Financial Statement. Furthermore, the court directed that the parties and the child attend upon a Family Consultant for the preparation of a Family Report, detailing specific factors to be considered under the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The court also made interim orders and scheduled a compliance check and a Financial Conciliation Conference.