PRIOR & PRIOR

This matter came before Judge Harland in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia concerning financial and parenting proceedings between a husband and wife. The wife sought costs.

The court was required to determine interim financial relief for the wife, the procedure for discovery and valuation of assets, and directions for a conciliation conference. Additionally, the court needed to make orders regarding a child inclusive family dispute conference and address interim parenting orders, with the wife's costs being reserved.

The court ordered the husband to pay the wife $500 per week in interim spousal maintenance. Directions were given for the parties to attend a conciliation conference, including mutual informal discovery of documents and the preparation of a draft joint statement of assets and liabilities. The court also ordered a joint valuation of any disputed assets. Crucially, the court ordered the parties and their children to attend a reportable child inclusive family dispute conference with a Family Consultant. The wife was directed to file and serve answering documents concerning parenting orders, and the matter was adjourned for further directions and a possible interim hearing on parenting issues.