Wilmont and Wilmont

In *Wilmont & Wilmont*, the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the applicant husband, Mr Wilmont, concerning parenting arrangements and related procedural matters. The respondent wife, Ms Wilmont, opposed certain aspects of the proposed process. The proceedings were heard in Hobart by Benjamin J.

The central legal issues before the court were whether the parties should be directed to attend counselling or mediation with a specific individual, Ms L, and whether such a process should be reportable or confidential. The court also had to determine the terms of various procedural directions, including the payment of hearing fees, the filing of documents and updated financial circumstances, and the arrangement of updated valuations. Further issues included the confidentiality of communications during counselling and the release of insurance monies.

Benjamin J declined to order counselling or mediation with Ms L, citing concerns about a single expert becoming involved in therapeutic or negotiation processes, which could prejudice future court outcomes. Instead, the court directed the parties to attend confidential counselling with a family consultant nominated by the Director of Family Consultants, in accordance with Division 3 of Part II of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This approach was intended to allow parties to explore options freely without fear of prejudice. The court also made detailed orders regarding the payment of the hearing fee, the filing of affidavits and financial information, the obtaining of updated valuations, and the provision of case outlines. Leave was granted for parties to restore the matter on seven days' notice, and they were restrained from filing further affidavits without leave. The court also ordered the release of insurance monies for a specific motor vehicle to the husband and directed that a copy of Ms L's report be made available to the family consultant, who was to report on the parties' participation.