Langcaster & Langcaster

In *Langcaster & Langcaster*, Strickland J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the wife to transfer proceedings to the Federal Magistrates Court, which she argued would be prejudicial to the parties. The dispute also involved the condition of the former matrimonial home, with a request for an expert to inspect and report on its construction and any deterioration.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the transfer of proceedings to the Federal Magistrates Court was appropriate and in the best interests of the parties, given the existing complexities of the property division. Additionally, the court was required to determine the terms upon which an expert inspection of the former matrimonial home could be facilitated.

Strickland J dismissed the wife's application to transfer the proceedings to the Federal Magistrates Court, finding that such a transfer would be prejudicial. The court ordered that the husband facilitate the attendance of an expert, Mr T, at the former matrimonial property for the purpose of inspecting its construction and the building product known as Rapid Wall. Leave was granted for the wife to file an affidavit from Mr T following his inspection. The court also ordered the dismissal of the wife's application to transfer proceedings and the husband's response thereto, and directed the wife's solicitors to provide the husband's solicitors with copies of all correspondence with Mr T concerning his attendance and report. Finally, the husband was ordered to pay the wife's solicitors $500.00 towards costs within five months.