Welldon and Welldon (No. 3)

In *Welldon and Welldon (No. 3)*, Ryan J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application involving the parties, the mother and father, and the Department of Community Services. The proceedings concerned children, and the court was making directions regarding the involvement of the Department and the further conduct of the case.

The primary legal issues before the court were the appropriate steps to ensure the Department of Community Services was formally involved in the proceedings, the provision of relevant documents to the Department, and the procedural steps for the parties to gather further evidence and seek interim orders. The court also addressed the ability of the parties and the Independent Children's Lawyer to issue subpoenas for documents.

Ryan J ordered that the Department of Community Services be invited to intervene in the proceedings pursuant to s 91B of the *Family Law Act 1975*. The court directed that specific documents, including the judge's reasons for decision and previously published reasons by Justice Rose, be provided to the Director General and the Manager of the Department's Legal Branch. Furthermore, the court granted leave for all parties and the Independent Children's Lawyer to issue subpoenas for relevant documents, returnable on a specified date. The applicant mother was also directed to file and serve amended applications and supporting affidavits for interim orders by a set deadline.