JASENTU & SUWANDARATNE

In the matter of *Jasentu & Suwandaratne*, heard by Judge Williams, the court was required to determine parenting arrangements for the child X and to make orders regarding the division of the parties' property. The dispute involved significant disagreements between the parents concerning the child's upbringing and the equitable distribution of their financial resources.

The legal issues before the court included the appropriate parenting orders, specifically whether one parent should have sole parental responsibility and the nature of the time the other parent would spend with the child, given the lack of communication between the parties. In relation to property, the court was tasked with considering the contributions of each party to the marriage and whether it was just and equitable to adjust their property interests, taking into account the factors outlined in section 75(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

The court's reasoning involved a detailed assessment of the parties' contributions to the marriage, including the husband's initial financial contributions which were argued to be the "springboard" for the parties' financial security. Judge Williams considered the submissions regarding the respective percentages of asset pool contributions and the importance of weighing all relevant contributions. The court also addressed the inadequacy of the child support assessment and the need for orders that would enable both parties to adequately maintain themselves.

The final orders made by the court included that the Mother would have sole parental responsibility for the child X, with specific provisions for notification and consideration of the Father's views on major long-term issues. The child was ordered to live with the Mother, with detailed arrangements for the Father's time with the child during school terms and holidays. The property settlement involved the Husband paying the Wife a sum of $449,517 and transferring his interest in a property to the Wife, with provisions for the discharge of a mortgage. The court also made orders regarding the division of other assets and liabilities, including superannuation entitlements.