FARRELL & CANE

In *Farrell & Cane*, heard by Judge Harland, the parties presented a dispute concerning property division following a short de facto relationship, alongside applications for child support departure and maintenance. The central disagreement regarding the property division revolved around the precise commencement date of the de facto relationship, which had implications for the division of assets acquired during that period.

The court was required to determine the commencement date of the de facto relationship for the purposes of property settlement under the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). Additionally, the court had to consider an application for a departure from the child support assessment, necessitating proof of special circumstances, and a claim for spousal maintenance until a child commenced school.

Judge Harland declared that the de facto relationship commenced on 1 May 2013 and concluded on 26 April 2015. In relation to property, the applicant was awarded sole legal and beneficial entitlement to his furniture, furnishings, chattels, jewellery, all monies, his motor vehicle, and his superannuation. The respondent received sole legal and beneficial entitlement to Property A, her furniture, furnishings, chattels, jewellery, all monies, her motor vehicle, and her superannuation. The respondent was also ordered to make specific items available for the applicant's collection within 30 days and to indemnify the applicant regarding the mortgage, rates, and outgoings for Property A. Each party was ordered to indemnify the other concerning debts in their sole name. The applicant was ordered to pay the respondent maintenance of $1733.33 per month until 15 December 2017. The respondent's application for child support departure was dismissed, as were all other outstanding applications.