Christos and Christos

In the matter of *Christos and Christos*, Rees J made orders by consent concerning the welfare of the child, Christos, and the division of property. The proceedings involved the appointment of single experts to report on various matters relevant to the child's welfare and the valuation of the husband's interests in several properties and the wife's jewellery.

The court was required to determine the terms of consent orders relating to the appointment of experts, the scope of their reports, and the interim arrangements for the child's residence and occupation of the former matrimonial home. Specifically, the court needed to address the appointment of a single expert to report on the child's welfare, considering factors such as the child's views, risk of harm, parental relationships, and the parents' capacity to meet the child's needs. Additionally, the court was to appoint experts to value the husband's interests in various properties and partnerships, as well as the wife's jewellery.

The court's reasoning, as reflected in the consent orders, involved the application of Division 15.5 of the Family Law Rules 2004. The orders established the terms of reference for the single expert on child welfare, detailing the specific areas to be investigated. Similarly, the orders outlined the properties and assets to be valued by the appointed experts. The court also made interim orders regarding the child's living arrangements, granting the wife sole and exclusive occupation of the former matrimonial home and varying the existing parenting orders to increase the time the child spends with the husband. The costs of the expert reports were to be paid by the husband in the first instance, with the wife's contribution to be determined at trial.