LORNE & TROTT

The Family Court of Australia considered an application by Ms Lorne (the wife) and Mr Trott (the husband) for a just and equitable property settlement following their de facto relationship. The husband also sought a review of an interim spousal maintenance order. The parties had three children, with parenting orders in place that involved shared parental responsibility and specific time arrangements.

The court was required to determine the division of the parties' property and assets, taking into account the contributions of each party and other relevant matters under section 90SF(3) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). Additionally, the court needed to review the Principal Registrar's interim spousal maintenance order and decide whether to confirm or vary it. The wife had also alleged non-disclosure by the husband regarding assets, which the court had to assess.

In its judgment, the court ordered a division of the property pool, awarding the wife 60% and the husband 40%. This division was based on an assessment of contributions, with the court finding the husband's contributions to be 60% and the wife's 40%. Further adjustments were made under section 90SF(3) of the Act, favouring the wife by 20%. The court found that the wife's allegation of non-disclosure by the husband was not established.

The court confirmed the Principal Registrar's interim spousal maintenance order, dismissing the husband's application for review. However, the interim spousal maintenance order was discharged upon the wife's receipt of the full cash amount payable to her under the property settlement orders. The judgment detailed specific directions for the sale of properties and chattels, the application of sale proceeds, and ongoing financial obligations pending the final division of assets.