DOWNEY & MAIR

In the matter of *Downey & Mair*, heard before Judge Harland, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements and the division of property between the applicant mother and the respondent father. The court was required to make orders regarding the child X, including sole parental responsibility, living arrangements, and the father's contact and communication with the child. Additionally, the court was tasked with determining the equitable distribution of the parties' assets and superannuation entitlements.

The court's reasoning focused on establishing orders that it considered to be in the best interests of the child X. In relation to property, the court ordered that the net proceeds from the sale of the former matrimonial home, amounting to $444,047.61, be paid to the applicant mother. The respondent father was to retain all other assets, including Australian and overseas bank accounts and business interests, as well as his superannuation entitlements, to the exclusion of the mother. Conversely, the applicant mother was to retain all other assets and superannuation entitlements in her possession or name, to the exclusion of the father.

The final orders reflected these determinations. The applicant mother was granted sole parental responsibility for X, with X to live with her. The respondent father's time and communication with X were reserved, and he was specifically restrained from contacting or communicating with X by any means, including through an agent or electronically. The property division orders as outlined above were also made.