Euston and Euston

The proceedings before Bennett J involved a dispute between a husband and wife concerning property settlement and interim parenting arrangements. The parties presented Minutes of Consent Orders to the Court, which were agreed upon and incorporated into the final orders.

The Court was required to determine the terms of the consent orders regarding the sale of real property, the distribution of sale proceeds, and the interim parenting arrangements for the parties' children. Additionally, the Court was to make directions concerning the parties' participation in a Child Responsive Program, the appointment of an independent children's lawyer, and the exchange of expert evidence and medical test results.

The Court's reasoning was primarily based on the parties' consent to the proposed orders. The orders directed the sale of a property in Tasmania, with proceeds to be applied first to sale costs, then to discharge a bank loan, followed by equal distribution of $10,000 to each party, and the balance held in trust pending further agreement or court order. Interim parenting issues were adjourned for further determination, and the parties were directed to attend appointments with a family consultant as part of the Child Responsive Program. The husband's application for children to spend time with each other or him pending the adjourned date was refused. The Court also ordered the independent representation of the children's interests by a lawyer, the exchange of expert evidence regarding property renovation, and the undertaking of liver function tests by both parties.