George and George

In the matter of *George and George*, Le Poer Trench J considered applications by the parties concerning the distribution of funds and the management of assets pending final property and financial proceedings. The dispute involved the division of proceeds from a Hong Kong property sale, interim spousal maintenance, child support, and the ongoing expenses and responsibilities related to various other properties and outgoings.

The court was required to determine the appropriate interim orders for the distribution of controlled monies from the sale of the Hong Kong property, including specific sums to be paid to the wife and husband, and for the payment of children's school-related expenses. Further issues included the characterisation of these payments, the disposition of interest accruing on the controlled monies, the division of rental income from a B Street property, and the dismissal of applications for interim child support departure orders. The court also addressed the husband's asserted responsibilities for health insurance premiums and a telephone account, and the interim payment of mortgage instalments and outgoings for specific properties. Finally, the court considered orders restraining further encumbrance of assets and the withdrawal of funds from a particular bank account.

Le Poer Trench J ordered that specific sums be paid from the controlled monies account, with the ultimate characterisation of certain payments to be determined by the trial judge. Interest accruing on these funds was to be paid to the wife as interim spouse maintenance. Rental payments from the B Street property were to be divided equally between the parties. Applications for interim child support departure orders were dismissed. The husband was ordered to meet mortgage instalments and outgoings for certain properties, and to pay any arrears. Both parties were to jointly meet expenses for the B Street property, with rental income divided equally. Pending further order, each party was restrained from further encumbering their assets and from withdrawing further monies from a specified Commonwealth Bank account. The wife was also ordered to provide the husband with copies of correspondence from Medibank Private Health Insurance.