The husband of Melbourne mother Karen Ristevski, whose body was found in bushland in February, has indicated he will plead not guilty to her murder.
Borce Ristevski, 53, faced the Melbourne Magistrates' Court for a brief hearing after being charged with his wife's murder this morning.
Mr Ristevski's lawyer, Rob Stary, told the court his client planned to plead not guilty.
He refused to answer questions outside court.
Mr Ristevski did not speak during the hearing except to confirm his name.
Prosecutor Andrew Tinney QC asked for 12 weeks to serve a brief of evidence on Mr Ristevski's lawyers — a fortnight longer than usual "because of the nature of the investigation and the ongoing work that needs to be done".
Mr Stary said he understood the logistical reality of needing extra time, but argued the investigation had already run for more than a year.
"He's a man without any history and … wants the matter expedited," Mr Stary told the court.
Mr Ristevski will return to court in April.
Ms Ristevski's brother Stephen Williams said the development had left him emotional after "a long 18 months".
"Today has been a surprisingly emotional day, one in which I have patiently waited to arrive," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
"It is in no way a celebration but just another stage in bringing my beautiful sister Karen the justice she so deserves.
"Again, a huge thank you to the members of the missing persons squad. Also to Emily, Lachlan, my cousins and work colleagues who have been very supportive these long last 18 months."
'Highly irregular' disappearance
Ms Ristevski's body was found in bushland in the Mount Macedon Regional Park on February 20, after months of searching north-west of Melbourne and around the river near her Avondale Heights home.
The 47-year-old was last seen by her husband at her Oakley Drive address on June 29 last year.
Ms Ristevski's disappearance was described as "highly irregular" at the time.
At the time, Mr Ristevski was reported to have been the last person to have seen his wife.
He participated in an appeal calling for information on her whereabouts.
Ms Ristevski worked at the family's retail business at Watergardens Shopping Centre in Melbourne's north-west.
In June this year, police said they had identified a vehicle of interest — a Mercedes coupe, similar to the one owned by Ms Ristevski — which was seen in the Diggers Rest area, between Macedon and Avondale Heights, on the day she disappeared.
The remains of her body were found by a member of the public near a walking track at Loch and Salisbury roads, several hundred metres from houses.
Police had also searched properties at Toolern Vale and Gisborne, about 30 kilometres from the Macedon site.
