HUGHES & HUGHES

In the matter of Hughes & Hughes, the court was asked to determine the validity of a financial agreement made between the parties. The dispute concerned the enforceability of this agreement in light of provisions within the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the financial agreement dated 20 April 2010 was binding within the meaning of sections 71A and 90G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This determination was crucial for the subsequent division of the parties' property under section 79 of the Act.

Macmillan J declared that the financial agreement was not binding. The court's reasoning, though not detailed in the provided text, led to this declaration. Consequently, the trial of the proceeding was adjourned part-heard to allow for further hearing of the parties' competing applications under section 79. The court also made various procedural orders regarding discovery, the filing of affidavits, and the extension of time for compliance with previous orders. Costs of the proceedings to date, including the costs of the adjournment, were adjourned to the trial.