PAINE & CACATAN

In the matter of *Paine & Cacatana*, Bell J of the Family Court of Australia was required to determine the validity of a marriage. The dispute concerned an application to have a marriage declared null and void.

The central legal issue before the court was whether the marriage between the parties, solemnised in January 2011, was legally valid or if it was void *ab initio*.

Bell J reasoned that the marriage was void due to a fundamental impediment existing at the time of the ceremony. Applying the relevant principles of family law concerning the validity of marriage, the court found that the circumstances presented established grounds for nullity. Consequently, the court declared the marriage absolutely null and void.