Drury and Drury (No. 3)

In *Drury and Drury (No. 3)*, Dessau J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the financial affairs of the parties in a marriage breakdown. The dispute involved the division of various properties, the arrangement of insurance, the transfer of bills, the release of funds, and the provision of financial accounting and disclosure. The court also ordered the parties to attend mediation and outlined a detailed process for document exchange in preparation for this.

The court was required to determine the specific steps necessary to facilitate the orderly progression of the property settlement and financial disclosure between the husband and wife. This included setting deadlines for joint property appraisals, the husband arranging insurance for the properties, and the transfer of utility bills for the former matrimonial home. Furthermore, the court addressed the immediate release of a sum of money to the wife, the husband's obligation to provide a detailed accounting of specific bank accounts, and the payment of a prior costs order made in favour of the wife.

Dessau J applied principles of procedural fairness and the court's inherent power to manage litigation effectively. The orders reflect a structured approach to resolving financial disputes, mandating proactive steps from both parties to gather information and prepare for resolution. The court's directions for mediation and extensive document exchange underscore the importance of full and frank disclosure in family law proceedings, aiming to promote settlement and avoid further litigation. The inclusion of orders under section 106A of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) demonstrates the court's capacity to ensure compliance and facilitate the execution of its orders where a party defaults.