Silba and Silba

In the matter of *Silba and Silba*, Bennett J considered an application by the wife for leave to issue a subpoena to the trustee of the S Family Trust to produce specified documents. The husband was also granted an extension of time to file a notice disputing the wife's itemised costs account, despite previous non-compliance with Rule 19.23 of the Family Law Rules 2004.

The court was required to determine the extent of disclosure obligations between parties in family law proceedings, particularly concerning financial documents and valuations, and to address the procedural steps for resolving unresolved financial matters after a conciliation conference. The court also considered the appropriate costs order for the application.

Bennett J directed that parties must exchange specific financial documents, including tax returns, superannuation details, financial statements for corporations, trusts, and partnerships, and market appraisals of assets, at least 14 days before a conciliation conference. The court further ordered that if financial matters remained unresolved after the conciliation conference, the Registrar should conduct a Pre-Trial Conference. The husband was ordered to pay the wife's costs of the application.