SUSSKIND & DEAN

The matter of Susskind & Dean came before Justice Tree of the Family Court of Australia. The dispute concerned parenting arrangements for the children of the marriage. The orders indicate that the parties were preparing for a final hearing.

The court was required to determine several procedural and interlocutory matters. These included the scheduling of the final hearing, a compliance check, the appointment of a McKenzie Friend for the respondent mother, the ability of the Independent Children’s Lawyer to obtain further evidence, and the timeline for the mother to file and serve her list of documents.

Justice Tree ordered that the final hearing be adjourned for five days, commencing on 6 May 2013. A compliance check was scheduled for 29 April 2013, to be conducted by telephone. Permission was granted for Ms A to act as a McKenzie Friend for the respondent mother, allowing her to sit with the mother, provide advice, and assist her in court, but not to address the court on her behalf. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was granted leave to issue a subpoena to Relationships Australia for updated material. Finally, the mother was directed to file and serve her list of documents by 4.00pm on 29 April 2013.