OCHOA & OCHOA

In the matter of *Ochoa & Ochoa*, heard before Judge Harman, the Applicant and Respondent, a married couple, presented a dispute concerning spousal maintenance, the payment of employment entitlements, and the management of property and financial disclosure. The proceedings involved an application for interim orders to address these financial matters pending further resolution.

The court was required to determine the appropriate quantum of spousal maintenance to be paid by the Respondent to the Applicant, and to make orders regarding the payment of all outstanding employment entitlements owed to the Applicant by a company in which the Respondent is a director. Further issues included the Respondent's responsibility for mortgage payments on a property he occupies, and the procedural steps necessary for the parties to engage in mediation and exchange financial information. The court also considered an application to strike out a specific form of relief sought by the Respondent.

Judge Harman ordered the Respondent to pay spousal maintenance of $750.00 per week to the Applicant. By consent, the Respondent was also ordered to ensure the company pays the Applicant all her employment entitlements, including wages and leave. The Respondent was directed to continue making mortgage payments on the property he resides in. The parties were ordered to attend mediation, with specific directions regarding the exchange of financial documents, including tax returns, superannuation details, bank and credit card statements, and property valuations, to facilitate disclosure and negotiation. The court also struck out paragraph 2 of the relief sought by the husband in his Response and reserved costs.