DAJANI & BASHARA

In the matter of DAJANI & BASHARA, Watts J considered a property settlement dispute between the husband and wife. The proceedings also involved applications concerning child support and parenting arrangements. The primary dispute revolved around the valuation of the husband's business, alleged debts owed to his siblings, and the appropriate division of the parties' assets and liabilities.

The court was required to determine the value of the husband's business, assess the validity and impact of alleged debts owed to the husband's siblings on the property pool, and consider the factors outlined in sections 79(4)(d)-(g) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) to arrive at a just and equitable property settlement. Additionally, the court addressed the wife's application for a child support departure order and the discharge of child support arrears, as well as parenting orders concerning the children's passports.

Watts J made property settlement orders pursuant to section 79 of the Act. The husband was ordered to pay the wife a sum of $876,113 and discharge certain specified liabilities within three months. Simultaneously, the wife was to transfer her interest in the former matrimonial home to the husband, who would be solely entitled to another property. In the event of the husband's non-compliance with the payment order, detailed provisions were made for the sale of both the former matrimonial home and the other property by public auction or private treaty, with specific directions regarding agent selection, solicitors, reserve prices, and the distribution of proceeds. The wife's application for a child support departure order and discharge of arrears was dismissed. The husband was ordered to hold the children's passports, with both parents jointly responsible for applying for new travel documents.