Appleford and Meriden

In *Appleford and Meriden*, heard by Judge Kelly, the Applicant sought leave to file an Initiating Application for property settlement out of time. The dispute concerned the division of property between the parties following their separation.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether to grant the Applicant leave to file his property settlement application after the statutory time limit had expired, pursuant to section 44(6) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This involved considering the factors relevant to such an application, including the reasons for the delay and the potential prejudice to the Respondent.

Judge Kelly granted the Applicant leave to file his Initiating Application out of time, extending the filing deadline to 13 January 2016. The court then proceeded to make orders for property settlement in full and final settlement of all claims between the parties. These orders included the Respondent paying the Applicant $113,000, with specific provisions for each party to retain certain assets and be responsible for their own debts.