Commonwealth Numbered Regulations

1988 No. 166 FAMILY LAW RULES (AMENDMENT) - RULE 3

3. Order 4 of the Family Law Rules is amended by adding at the end the
following rules: Proceedings in chambers

"8. (1) This rule applies to any proceedings relating to a matrimonial cause
other than proceedings:

   (a)  that are contested; and

   (b)  in which the order sought is a final order in relation to the
        matrimonial cause to which the proceedings relate.

"(2) A Judge or magistrate may exercise in chambers any jurisdiction conferred
on him or her under the Act and any sitting held in chambers shall be as valid
and effectual as if it were held in open court.

"(3) A Judge or magistrate may adjourn the hearing of proceedings from
chambers to open court and from open court to chambers. Proceedings in
chambers-procedures and effect

"9. The provisions of these Rules shall, in so far as appropriate, apply to
proceedings heard in chambers in the same manner as to proceedings heard in
open court and an order made in chambers shall have the same effect as an
order made in open court. Record of proceedings in chambers

"10. (1) There shall be kept by the Registrar a record containing the
following particulars in relation to each hearing of proceedings in chambers:

   (a)  the name of the case;

   (b)  a description of the proceedings;

   (c)  the date of the hearing;

   (d)  a minute of decisions made.

"(2) The record kept by the Registrar for the purposes of subrule (1) shall be
evidence of the questions or matters in issue and the decisions made at a
hearing in chambers.".