Charonne and Charonne (No. 4)

In *Charonne and Charonne (No. 4)*, Brown J of the Family Court of Australia considered applications by both the husband and wife concerning spousal maintenance and costs. The wife sought ongoing spousal maintenance, while the husband had filed an application on 12 June 2009.

The central legal issues before the court were whether to continue or vary the existing spousal maintenance orders, and how to allocate the costs of the proceedings. The court was required to determine the appropriate quantum and duration of spousal maintenance, and to make orders regarding the costs incurred by the parties.

Brown J ordered that the husband pay spousal maintenance to the wife in the sum of $380 per week from 19 May 2009 until further order. Additionally, the husband was ordered to comply with a previous order requiring him to pay $1,650 in costs to the wife within 28 days. The husband's application filed on 12 June 2009 was dismissed. All costs of the day were reserved, and the court noted that the matter reasonably required the attendance of counsel.