Jess and Jess

In the matter of *Jess and Jess*, Young J of the Supreme Court of Victoria made orders concerning financial and custodial issues in a marriage dissolution proceeding. The dispute involved the husband and wife, and their two children, born in 1990 and 1992.

The court was required to determine several matters, including the ascertainment of the children's wishes regarding their welfare, the interim financial arrangements between the parties, and the management and preservation of marital assets. The court also addressed the issue of legal costs and the dissemination of information about the proceedings to the media.

Young J ordered that a psychologist be appointed to prepare a report addressing the children's wishes and other disputed issues, with the initial cost to be borne by the husband, though the ultimate responsibility for payment was reserved. Interim spousal maintenance of $28,000 per month was ordered, commencing in May 2007. Furthermore, the court varied previous orders to restrain both parties, and entities associated with them, from dealing with or encumbering assets, and from incurring further liabilities. Specific corporate entities and trusts were also added to the list of those subject to restraint. The court also imposed a media blackout on both parties, their associates, and family members. Finally, the husband was ordered to pay a total of $200,000 towards the wife's legal costs by specified dates.