CARRINGTON & CARRINGTON

In Carrington & Carrington, Benjamin J determined property settlement orders between the husband and wife. The dispute concerned the division of assets and liabilities, including real estate, vehicles, business interests, and personal property, as well as the indemnification of the wife for certain liabilities.

The court was required to determine the terms of the property settlement, including the quantum of a payment to be made by the husband to the wife, the transfer of various properties and interests, the discharge of joint liabilities, and the division of specific assets and business records. The court also had to address the relinquishment of claims by each party to certain assets and entitlements.

Benjamin J applied principles of family law concerning property division, considering the contributions of each party and the need for a just and equitable outcome. The court's reasoning led to a detailed set of orders that comprehensively divided the parties' property and liabilities. These orders included specific monetary payments, the transfer of real estate and vehicles, the cessation of the wife's involvement in various trusts and companies, and the dissolution of a partnership. The court also ordered the husband to indemnify the wife against specific future tax liabilities and other debts related to the former matrimonial home and business entities.

The final orders provided for a substantial payment from the husband to the wife, the transfer of specific properties, the discharge of joint mortgages and loans, and the division of household contents and artwork. The orders also stipulated the relinquishment of claims by each party to various assets and entitlements, and established ongoing weekly payments and the exclusive occupation of the former matrimonial home by the wife until the main payment was made. The parties were ordered to take all necessary steps to give effect to the terms of the consent orders.