PINHEIRO & OUTTERRIDGE

This matter concerned an application by Ms Pinheiro for a decree of nullity of marriage, which was heard by Johnston J. The respondent was served with the application and supporting material in the United States of America, and the Court granted leave for the proceedings to be dealt with as undefended. The Court was satisfied that the applicant was ordinarily resident in Australia on the relevant date.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether the marriage solemnised in Sydney in 2015 between the applicant and the respondent was void. The Court was required to determine if the ground for nullity had been proved to its satisfaction.

Johnston J found that the ground for nullity had been proved. The Court decreed that the marriage solemnised in 2015 between the applicant and the respondent was absolutely null and void.