Merrick and Yardley

In the matter of Merrick and Yardley, heard before Cronin J, the dispute concerned the division of property between the parties. The court was required to make orders regarding the valuation of certain properties and the payment of costs.

The primary legal issues before the court were the need for independent valuations of specific properties, Property L and Property S, for the purpose of the final property settlement hearing, and the allocation of costs associated with these valuations. Additionally, the court was required to determine the quantum and timing of an interim costs order.

Cronin J ordered that the parties jointly instruct a property valuer to prepare valuations for Property L and Property S, with the costs to be borne equally by each party within seven days of receiving the valuer's invoice. The court also ordered that the husband pay the wife's costs fixed at $900, with the payment of this sum stayed until the final determination of the property proceedings.