HAMPTON & HAMPTON

In this matter before Judge Kelly, the parties, Mr and Mrs Hampton, sought a final property settlement following a 38-year marriage. The dispute concerned the division of their asset pool, primarily comprising the former matrimonial home, and the allocation of costs.

The court was required to determine the appropriate division of the parties' assets and whether any adjustment was warranted for post-separation contributions. Additionally, the court considered the husband's conduct in relation to discovery and its impact on any potential costs order in favour of the wife.

The court found that an equal division of the asset pool was generally appropriate, reflecting the parties' contributions over their long marriage. However, a minor adjustment was made to account for the wife's post-separation contributions. The court also ordered that the former matrimonial home be sold, with the net proceeds to be divided 49% to the husband and 51% to the wife, after payment of sale expenses and certain debts. The husband was ordered to pay a sum towards the wife's costs, with liberty to apply for further orders within 42 days.