Bernet and Bernet

In the matter of *Bernet and Bernet*, Cronin J of the Family Court of Australia was required to determine the division of property between the husband and wife. The dispute concerned the distribution of various assets and liabilities held by the parties.

The central legal issues before the court were the appropriate allocation of the parties' direct and indirect interests in their properties, including specific assets and liabilities such as an overdraft. The court also had to consider the implications of taxation arising from its orders and the indemnification of each party for certain debts.

Cronin J ordered that the husband pay the wife $8 million. The court further directed that the parties take all necessary steps to alter their interests in the properties, with the husband retaining certain specified assets and the wife retaining others. Each party was also ordered to indemnify the other concerning liabilities arising from their respective overdrafts and debts under their control. The court reserved liberty to apply and, save for costs and matters arising from the orders, dismissed the parties' applications and responses.