Lesley & Lesley

In the matter of Lesley & Lesley, McClelland J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning property settlement and legal costs. The dispute involved a husband and wife, with the wife seeking interim property settlement and provision for her legal costs.

The court was required to determine the appropriate interim property settlement sum, the quantum of funds to be paid for the wife's legal costs, and to make orders regarding the management and valuation of assets. Additionally, the court considered an application by the wife for a child support departure order.

McClelland J ordered the husband to pay $250,000 to the wife by way of interim property settlement and $297,430 into the wife's solicitor's trust account for her legal costs. The court also imposed restrictions on the husband's ability to deal with certain assets, requiring him to provide written notice to the wife of any proposed sale, mortgage, charge, or encumbrance of assets held solely or jointly, as well as assets of specified companies and a family trust. Orders were also made concerning the maintenance of health fund membership and the execution of letters of instruction for property valuations. The wife's application for a child support departure order was dismissed.