POURDIS & POURDIS

In the matter of *Pourdis & Pourdis*, Dawe J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered applications relating to contempt of court and the final division of property. The proceedings involved Mr Pourdis and his wife, with the court also noting the involvement of an Independent Children’s Lawyer. The core of the dispute revolved around Mr Pourdis's alleged contravention of previous court orders and the subsequent financial arrangements between the parties.

The court was required to determine whether Mr Pourdis was in contempt of specific court orders made on 18 May 2011, 8 July 2011, and 28 March 2012. Additionally, the court had to address the wife's applications for contempt and contravention orders, as well as make final orders regarding the division of property, costs, and the allocation of various liabilities, including taxation obligations and family loans.

Dawe J found Mr Pourdis to be in contempt of court regarding paragraphs 5 of the Order dated 18 May 2011 (read in conjunction with paragraph 4 of the Order dated 8 July 2011) and paragraph 3 of the Order dated 28 March 2012. Consequently, Mr Pourdis was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended on the condition that he be of good behaviour and comply with all court orders for a period of one year. The wife's applications for contempt and contravention orders were dismissed. The court made detailed orders concerning the division of funds held by solicitors, the allocation of taxation liabilities, indemnities for family loans, and the retention of superannuation entitlements. The parties' intention was noted that these orders would finally determine their financial relationship and avoid further proceedings.