Mullen and Acken (No. 4) (Final Property and Parenting)

This matter concerned final property and parenting orders sought by the parties, Mr Mullen and Ms Acken, before Justice Bennett of the Family Court of Australia. The dispute involved the division of the former matrimonial home, superannuation interests, and the allocation of parental responsibility and time for the parties' three children.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting arrangements for the children, including who would have sole parental responsibility and where the children would live. Additionally, the court needed to decide on the division of the parties' assets, specifically the former matrimonial home and their respective superannuation entitlements, and to address the wife's liability for the husband's costs.

Justice Bennett made orders granting the husband sole parental responsibility for the children, with the children to live with him. The wife was permitted to spend time and communicate with the children as agreed in writing with the husband, with specific provisions for the exchange of letters and presents. The court ordered the sale of the former matrimonial home, with the proceeds to be distributed such that the husband received 60% and the wife 40%, after certain debts and costs were paid. The wife was ordered to pay 80% of the husband's costs, capped at $15,500. Superannuation interests were to be split, with the wife to receive a base amount of $190,524 from the husband's superannuation fund. The court also made orders regarding the parties' other property, with each party to retain their respective assets and liabilities, and severed any joint tenancies.