Lange and Lange (No 2)

This matter before Benjamin J concerned property settlement, spousal maintenance, and child support proceedings between the parties, Mr and Mrs Lange. The proceedings were part-heard and required further directions from the court.

The court was required to determine the procedural steps necessary to advance the property settlement and maintenance claims, including the disclosure of financial information and the potential appointment of an expert. The court also needed to address the costs incurred by the husband due to an adjournment on 2 August 2013.

Benjamin J directed that the parties attend a further mention and directions hearing by telephone on 6 August 2013. Crucially, the husband was ordered to provide the wife's solicitors with the financial accounts for D Pty Ltd and the Lange Family Trust No. 2 for the financial years ending 30 June 2011, 30 June 2012, and any prepared to date for the financial year ending 30 June 2013. He was also ordered to provide an authority to his accountants, H Accountants, allowing the wife or her representatives to obtain necessary financial information at her expense. The court further ordered that the wife pay the husband's costs thrown away on 2 August 2013, totalling $5,975, to be deducted from any property settlement amount payable to her. The wife was also given a deadline to file an application for the appointment of a single expert to value the husband's company and business, should she wish to pursue that course.