Zong & Lim (No 4)

In the matter of *Zong & Lim (No 4)*, heard by Coates J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, the applicant, Ms Zong (the mother), and the respondent, Mr Lim (the father), were involved in proceedings. The specific dispute leading to this order concerned the father's legal representation and the scheduling of a final hearing.

The court was required to determine whether to grant leave for the father's legal representatives to withdraw from acting on his behalf. Additionally, the court considered whether the matter was appropriate for certification as a case requiring counsel, and how to manage the costs of the proceedings, specifically those of the mother and the Independent Children's Lawyer. The court also had to address the vacation of a previously scheduled final hearing and the setting of a new date.

Coates J granted leave for the father's legal representatives, HCM Legal, to withdraw. The court certified the matter as appropriate for counsel pursuant to rule 21.16 of the *Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001*. The costs of the mother and the Independent Children's Lawyer for the hearing on 20 January 2021 were reserved. The final hearing previously scheduled for 25 January 2021 was vacated, and a new final hearing was set down for four days, commencing on 20 April 2021, at 9:30 am in Brisbane.