In the Marriage of: Donald Earl Mccann Husband and Kerry Ann Mccann Wife and the Director of the Department of Community Services Intervener Appeal

This appeal concerned a dispute between Donald Earl McCann (Husband) and Kerry Ann McCann (Wife) regarding property settlement, with the Director of the Department of Community Services intervening. The matter came before the Full Court of the Family Court of Australia.

The primary legal issues before the Full Court were whether the primary judge erred in their assessment of the parties' contributions, particularly in relation to the Wife's non-financial contributions, and whether the resulting property settlement was just and equitable. The Court also considered the weight to be given to the intervention by the Director of the Department of Community Services.

The Full Court analysed the evidence presented at trial, focusing on the principles of property adjustment under the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The Court reiterated that all contributions, financial and non-financial, are to be assessed and that the ultimate aim is to achieve a just and equitable distribution of the marital assets. The Court found that the primary judge had adequately considered the Wife's contributions and that the intervention by the Director did not alter the fundamental principles governing property settlement between the parties. The Court ultimately upheld the primary judge's decision.