Custody battle continues:
By INDERIA SAUNDERS, Guardian Staff Reporter -
inderia@nasguard.com:
Nassau, Bahamas -

The Bank Lane courtyard was abuzz with members of the local and international media who converged on the historic Supreme Court building as the postponed custody hearing for Anna Nicole Smith's baby, Dannielynn Hope, continued yesterday.

The Court dealt only with "procedural" matters.

As Ms Smith's body lies in a Florida Medical Examiner's office awaiting burial, her mother, Virgie Arthur, made an appearance at the Supreme Court in the capital yesterday as well as the man who claims to be the baby's father, Larry Birkhead, and the legal representatives for Ms Smith's companion, Howard K Stern. However, Mr Stern was not present for the proceedings.

Although the details of what went on in court were not disclosed to the press, the attorney for Mr Birkhead, Debra Opri, said that they were expecting a DNA hearing soon and alleged that there was a "big hole" in Dannielynn's birth certificate.

However, the attorney for Ms Smith's estate, Wayne Munroe, said all that happened in the courtroom was procedure based. He pointed out that there were procedural time limits and stated that it could last up to 16 days.

" What happens next is the court does what the court does when it deal with procedures. It is not a matter that simple and straightforward," Mr Munroe explained to a group of reporters. "There is another hearing scheduled within 16 or 17 days into next March."

He added that he was "quite happy" with the judge's directions to deal with the matter, calling it "adequate" and stated that the case was adjourned until the 16 March, when there would be more procedural formalities.

"You have to work at the procedure before you have a serious case and that's what our court does, and if you look at the rules of the Supreme Court that's what they tell you: that there are steps to be taken, things to be put in place and then when they're put in place, then you're done."

In response to questions as to why Mr Stern was not present at the court hearing, Mr Munroe said that he did not see the need for Mr Stern to be present at the procedural level despite his involvement. He added that there was never really a reason for a client to be present during those times unless they were going to give evidence or be cross-examined. He said the body of his client was "still in Florida" and that he had "no clue" when the body will be buried.

The Florida court has given Mr Milstein and attorneys for Stern until 2.00 pm today to file responses.

27/2/07