CAMPBELL & CAMPBELL

In the matter of *Campbell & Campbell*, Hogan J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia made interim orders concerning the financial and property matters between the husband and wife. The dispute involved applications for costs and the management of marital assets, specifically a property located at B Street, Suburb C, Queensland.

The court was required to determine whether to grant interim orders for the release of funds from a solicitor's trust account to each party for legal costs, and whether to impose an injunction restraining the husband from dealing with a specific mortgaged property. The court also needed to consider the reservation of costs for the current hearing and the application.

Hogan J reasoned that it was appropriate to make interim orders for the release of equal amounts from the husband's solicitors' trust account to both parties to meet their respective legal costs for the proceedings. This was to ensure both parties could adequately participate in the litigation. Furthermore, the court granted an injunction restraining the husband from drawing down on the mortgage facility or further encumbering, charging, dealing with, or selling the B Street property without the written agreement of the wife or a further court order, thereby preserving the status quo of that asset.

The court ordered the release of $47,489.97 to the husband and an equal amount to the wife from the funds held by Saunders Downing Hely for their costs. An injunction was issued against the husband concerning the B Street property. Costs for the appearance and the application were reserved, and it was certified that engaging counsel was reasonable.