APPLETON & DRAPER

In *Appleton & Draper*, heard before Judge Scarlett, the applicant wife sought property settlement orders against the respondent husband. The dispute concerned the division of a small asset pool following a marriage of less than four years, during which no children were born.

The court was required to determine whether it was just and equitable to make orders for property settlement, considering the parties' respective contributions and the limited duration of the marriage. Additionally, the court considered an application for costs, particularly in light of the respondent's failure to attend court and the applicant's success in the proceedings.

Judge Scarlett reasoned that despite the short duration of the marriage and the small asset pool, a property settlement was nonetheless just and equitable. The court considered the contributions of both parties, though the specific nature of these contributions is not detailed. The court also ordered the respondent to pay the applicant's costs, noting the respondent's non-attendance and the applicant's overall success.

The orders made included the respondent paying the applicant $20,000.00 within one month, with the applicant then to discharge a personal loan in her name. Each party was otherwise to retain their own property and be solely responsible for their own debts. The respondent was also ordered to pay the applicant's costs fixed at $7,437.00, plus a further $1,100.00 for prior costs orders, both within one month.