GRAINGER & EDEN

This matter concerned a dispute between a Husband and Wife, heard by Judge Neville in the Family Court of Australia. The proceedings involved applications relating to costs, the stay of future hearing dates, and directions for the progression of the case towards a conciliation conference and potential resolution of asset division.

The court was required to determine several issues, including the appropriate security for costs to be paid by the Husband, the quantum of costs to be paid by the Husband for previous hearings, and whether future hearing dates should be stayed pending compliance with cost orders. Additionally, the court needed to issue directions regarding a conciliation conference, the valuation of disputed assets, and the exchange of financial information, including superannuation interests. The court also addressed allegations made by the Husband concerning his former solicitors' conduct.

Judge Neville ordered the Husband to pay $25,000.00 as security for costs and $8,490.00 for the Wife's costs for a directions hearing and a vacated final hearing, with specific timeframes for payment. The court further ordered a stay of the April 2016 hearing dates until these costs were fully paid. Directions were given for a conciliation conference, including the payment of the conference fee, the process for obtaining superannuation information, and the joint valuation of assets if agreement could not be reached by a specified date. The court also requested the Husband's former solicitors to respond to allegations of acting without instructions regarding a de facto relationship and consent orders concerning property sale.