Stokes and Stokes

In the matter of *Stokes and Stokes*, Bell J considered a dispute between the parents concerning parenting arrangements for their children.

The court was required to determine whether to dismiss certain paragraphs of the mother's application and the father's application in relation to parenting. The court also had to set a timetable for the further conduct of the proceedings, including the filing of affidavit material and the preparation for trial.

Bell J dismissed paragraphs 8 and 9 of the mother's application and the father's parenting application. The court then adjourned the matter for a three-day trial on 9 March 2011, setting strict deadlines for the filing of affidavit material by both parties and the Independent Children’s Lawyer. Further directions were given regarding the lodgement of documents containing minutes of orders sought, statements of material facts, proposed minutes of orders in the alternative, and lists of affidavits to be relied upon at trial. All other outstanding applications were dismissed.