BURNS & BOSTON

In the Family Court of Australia, Cronin J presided over proceedings involving a dispute between a husband and wife concerning their child, C, and the division of their property. The wife sought sole parental responsibility for C, orders for C to live with her, and specific property settlement arrangements. The husband's participation in the proceedings appears to have been limited, as evidenced by the court's orders for service on his last known address and his liberty to make future applications.

The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for the child C, specifically whether the wife should have sole parental responsibility and for C to live with her, along with orders restraining the husband from spending time with or communicating with C. Additionally, the court had to resolve the property settlement, including the division of real estate and the allocation of various business and personal debts. The court also considered the issue of costs.

Cronin J ordered that the wife have sole parental responsibility for C, with C to live with her. The husband was restrained from spending time with or communicating with C. The court further ordered the husband to transfer his interest in two properties to the wife, who would be responsible for the associated mortgages and overdraft liability, with liberty to refinance or sell. To facilitate these property transfers, a registrar was authorised to sign documents on the husband's behalf. The husband was also ordered to be responsible for and indemnify the wife in respect of numerous specified business and personal debts, as well as any liabilities arising from companies in which he is a director and shareholder. Each party was to retain their own property and superannuation interests otherwise. The husband was ordered to pay the wife's costs fixed at $13,000, and all extant applications were dismissed.