Franklin & Franklin

The case of *Franklin & Franklin* involved disputes between a husband and wife concerning their children and the division of their property. The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the children, considering the wife's unilateral relocation and the husband's limited exposure to his new living arrangements. Additionally, the court had to address the valuation of jointly purchased properties, the inclusion of business debts, and the wife's legal fees in the context of property settlement.

The court's primary considerations for the children's living arrangements focused on the benefit of a meaningful relationship with both parents and the need to protect the children from harm. The court also considered additional factors, including the children's views, the nature of their relationships with each parent, each parent's willingness to facilitate the other's relationship with the children, and the practical difficulties and expenses associated with the children spending time with each parent. In relation to property settlement, the court examined the contributions of each party, the valuation of assets, and the impact of post-separation financial conduct.

In its determination, the court ordered that the parties have equal shared parental responsibility for the children, with the children to live with the wife. The court also established a detailed schedule for the children to spend time with the husband, including specific holiday periods and term-time contact, with provisions for travel costs and communication. For property settlement, the court divided the assets based on contributions, with the wife receiving 67.5% and the husband 32.5%, and made specific orders regarding the retention and transfer of various entities and properties, including an indemnity for the wife concerning the husband's business debts.