HADAWAY & HADAWAY

This case concerned property and children's matters between the parties, Mr. and Mrs. Hadaway, heard by Cleary J. The dispute involved the division of assets and arrangements for the parties' two children, born in 2006 and 2010. The parties had been in a relationship for eight years and separated under the one roof for a further four years. The husband was a high earner, while the wife primarily cared for the children.

The court was required to determine the appropriate final division of the parties' property, including the former matrimonial home, and to make orders regarding parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with the children. Additionally, the court needed to consider and make orders concerning spousal maintenance.

In relation to property, the court found that while the wife's initial contributions were 55/45 in her favour, overall contributions at separation were equal. An adjustment was made in favour of the wife to meet her immediate accommodation requirements, resulting in a final division of assets of 60/40 in her favour. The husband was also ordered to pay the wife spousal maintenance of $500 per week for a period of two years, until the youngest child commenced school. For the children, the court ordered equal shared parental responsibility, with the children to live with the mother. The father was granted increased time with the children after the younger child started school, with specific arrangements detailed for school terms and holidays, including provisions for communication and decision-making regarding the children's welfare.