GEORGE & BUTLER

In *George & Butler*, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered an application for interim spousal maintenance. The dispute concerned the financial support to be provided by the Husband to the Wife pending the final determination of their property settlement proceedings.

The primary legal issue before the Court was to determine the appropriate quantum and commencement date for interim spousal maintenance payable by the Husband to the Wife. The Court also addressed the procedural directions for the conduct of the final hearing, including the filing of evidence, case outlines, and amended applications.

Judge Altobelli ordered the Husband to pay interim spousal maintenance of $564 per week commencing seven days from the date of the order, and $984 per week from 7 November 2015. The Court also issued detailed directions for the filing of all further material, including affidavits and case outlines, by 8 July 2016, emphasizing that non-compliance could lead to the vacation of trial dates or other adverse consequences. The Wife's costs of the application were reserved, and the matter was listed for a three-day final hearing on 25 July 2016.