Thomas & Anor and Johns

In the matter of *Thomas & Anor and Johns*, heard before Dessau J of the Family Court of Australia, the applicants sought leave to commence adoption proceedings concerning a child, L, born in October 2000. The application was filed on 21 February 2011.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether to grant leave pursuant to section 60G(1) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) to commence proceedings for the adoption of L by Mr Thomas. This section governs the circumstances under which adoption proceedings can be initiated.

Dessau J granted leave for adoption proceedings to be commenced by Mr Thomas, as evidenced by Order 1. However, the Court dismissed the remainder of the application filed on 21 February 2011, as indicated by Order 3. The reasons for judgment were to be transcribed and retained on the court file, with a copy to be forwarded to the applicants.