Lau and Ji

In the matter of Lau and Ji, Johnston JR of the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia made orders concerning the division of property between the parties. The dispute centred on the equitable distribution of assets, including a property known as the "W property," and the parties' respective superannuation entitlements.

The court was required to determine the appropriate financial and property adjustments to be made between the wife and the husband. This involved assessing the value of various assets and liabilities, and deciding how these should be divided to achieve a just and equitable outcome. The court also had to consider the implications of non-compliance with its orders.

Johnston JR ordered the wife to pay the husband a sum of $113,697 within 42 days. Upon this payment, the husband was to transfer his interest in the W property to the wife, who would then discharge the existing mortgage. If the wife failed to make this payment, the W property was to be sold, with the proceeds first covering sale costs and the mortgage, and the balance then divided with 58.91 percent going to the husband and 41.09 percent to the wife. All other property, including superannuation, was to remain with the party in possession. The orders were to take effect from 20 October 2009, with provisions for the Registrar to execute documents if a party refused to do so, and leave for parties to re-list for implementation or submissions on the form of orders.