GILLIAM & MORRIS

In this matter before Carew J, the wife sought interim spouse maintenance and an interim injunction to restrain the husband from dissipating assets. The wife contended she was unable to support herself due to her full-time care of the parties' three children. The wife also sought to prevent further spending by the husband, particularly on "adult entertainment," given the risk of asset dissipation before a full review of the interim hearing.

The court was required to determine whether an order for interim spouse maintenance was reasonable in the circumstances, considering the wife's inability to self-support and her responsibilities as the primary caregiver. Additionally, the court had to assess the necessity and appropriateness of an interim injunction to preserve assets, particularly in light of the husband's alleged substantial spending and the potential for further dissipation.

Carew J granted the applications, ordering interim spouse maintenance of $2,028.00 per month, along with provisions for medical expenses, household rates, utilities, insurance premiums, and vehicle registration for the wife. The court also ordered that the husband be restrained from disposing of assets, either personally or through various companies, trusts, and superannuation funds, without the wife's written consent, which was not to be unreasonably withheld. Furthermore, an injunction was issued to prevent cash withdrawals and credit card usage from specified bank accounts and credit cards, again subject to the wife's consent. The court also ordered the husband to pay $4,628.00 per month to himself. The orders were made upon the wife's undertaking to abide by any order for damages the husband might be entitled to recover.