Del Gallo v Frederiksen

The appeal concerned the division of property following the breakdown of a de facto relationship between the parties, Mr Del Gallo and Ms Frederiksen. The primary dispute revolved around the adequacy of the property adjustment orders made by the Master. The matter was heard on appeal in the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether the Master's orders regarding the adjustment of the parties' property interests were manifestly inadequate, having regard to the provisions of the *De Facto Relationships Act 1984* (NSW). This required the Court to consider the relevant factors the Master should have taken into account, including pre-cohabitation contributions and improvements in the parties' financial positions during the period of cohabitation.

The Court found that the Master had properly considered the relevant factors under section 20 of the *De Facto Relationships Act 1984*. The Master's assessment of the parties' contributions and the overall financial circumstances was not demonstrably wrong or unjust. Consequently, the Court concluded that the amount awarded by the Master was not manifestly inadequate.

The appeal was dismissed, and the parties were ordered to pay the costs of the appeal.