FORSTER & FORSTER

The case of *Forster & Forster* involved orders made by Benjamin J concerning the property settlement and adjustment claims between Mr Forster (the husband) and Ms Forster (the wife) under Part VIII of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The dispute was resolved by way of full and final settlement, with specific directions regarding the division of assets and liabilities.

The court was required to determine the terms of the settlement, including the financial payment to be made by the husband to the wife, and to declare the respective property of each party. This involved identifying and allocating various assets such as bank accounts, real estate, superannuation interests, vehicles, and personal chattels. Additionally, the court needed to address the husband's indemnification of the wife concerning litigation in the United States and the disposition of specific documents.

Benjamin J ordered that the husband pay the wife a sum of $151,379.50 within sixty days. The court then declared certain assets as the wife's sole property, including the proceeds of sale of a specific property, her interest in another property, her savings and investments, her superannuation fund, and her personal effects. Conversely, the husband's property was declared to include his bank accounts, vehicles, personal chattels, and entitlements from his United States government employment. The husband was also ordered to indemnify the wife against any costs or liabilities arising from litigation in the United States. Further orders mandated the exchange and deletion of specific medical records and powers of attorney, and the return of the wife's United States Government Agency Identification Card to the US Consulate. All extant applications, except for costs, were dismissed, with costs applications to be made in accordance with the *Family Law Rules 2004* (Cth).