Brack and Mason

In *Brack and Mason*, Kent J considered applications made by both the Wife and the Husband in family law proceedings. The dispute involved the division of property, including real estate in Tasmania and Queensland, a vessel, and funds held by the Australian Federal Police. The Husband sought interim orders and also made an oral application concerning two jetskis.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether to grant the interim orders sought by the Husband, whether to dismiss the Husband's application filed on 8 May 2012, and whether to dismiss the Husband's oral application concerning the jetskis. The court also had to determine the terms of property settlement and the procedural steps required for the progression of the case towards trial.

Kent J made several orders by consent, including provisions for the joint valuation of real properties and a vessel by single experts, with costs to be shared equally. The court ordered the Wife to pay $20,000 from seized funds to the Husband's solicitor as partial property settlement. The Husband's applications and interim orders sought were dismissed. The parties were ordered to provide disclosure within 30 days and to crystallise their respective taxation obligations. The court also directed that the matter proceed to trial without further mediation or conciliation, and it was listed for mention/directions.