Horton and Horton

In the matter of *Horton and Horton*, Watts J made orders concerning interim property settlement and related matters between the husband and wife. The proceedings involved a dispute over the division of assets and liabilities.

The court was required to determine the interim financial arrangements between the parties, including responsibility for mortgage payments and interim property settlement payments. Further issues addressed included the appointment of joint experts to value the husband's business interests and properties, and the allocation of costs for these valuations. The court also considered the wife's application for interim spousal maintenance.

Watts J ordered that the husband pay one half of the mortgage instalments on the Sydney Suburb 1 property, which secured a home loan and redraw facility. The husband was also directed to pay $1,000 per week to the wife's solicitors for interim property settlement until the conclusion of proceedings or 50 payments were made. The court appointed Mr Y as a joint expert to value the husband's business interests and Mr N to value the properties at Sydney Suburb 1 and Sydney Suburb 2. The husband was to initially bear the costs of these valuations, with the wife to reimburse him for one half of these costs upon final orders. The wife was ordered to pay the other half of the mortgage payments. The wife's application for interim spousal maintenance was dismissed, as the husband was already paying child support. Costs were reserved.