Jess and Jess

In *Jess and Jess*, heard before Brown J, the court was required to determine various applications and make orders concerning the division of property and the conduct of proceedings between the husband and wife. The dispute involved the valuation of significant assets, including sporting and business interests, as well as jewellery and real estate.

The legal issues before the court included the proper valuation of the husband's sporting and business interests, the disclosure and valuation of jewellery, and the appointment of single expert valuers for various assets. The court also considered the wife's applications regarding certain orders, which were ultimately dismissed. Furthermore, the court addressed the procedure for tendering expert evidence and the disclosure obligations of both parties.

Brown J's reasoning involved a detailed consideration of the parties' applications and the need for efficient and fair resolution of the property settlement. The court applied principles relating to the appointment of single experts, the disclosure of financial documents, and the admissibility of expert evidence. Orders were made for the appointment of specific valuers for businesses, franchises, companies, and real estate, with directions for the conduct of their valuations and the preparation of joint statements. The court also mandated further disclosure from the wife concerning credit card expenditure, bank transactions, and jewellery purchases.

The court's orders dismissed the wife's applications for specific relief, directed the disclosure and valuation of jewellery, and appointed single expert valuers for various assets. The husband was ordered to pay the fees of these single experts, with 50% to be paid by the wife as interim property settlement. The parties were also directed to comply with requests for disclosure and to arrange for expert conferences.