RADNER & BIGNALL

In the matter of *Radner & Bignall*, heard before Judge Willis AM, the dispute concerned a property settlement between a de facto couple, Ms Radner (the applicant) and Mr Bignall (the respondent). The relationship was of short duration, and there were no children. Both parties possessed property and incurred debts at the commencement of the de facto relationship. A central element of the dispute involved Mr Bignall's alleged overstatement of his asset values at the commencement of the relationship and his claims regarding debts owed to family members.

The court was required to determine whether to make an order altering the existing interests of the parties in their property. This determination involved considering the principles of justice and equity in the context of a short de facto relationship where both parties brought assets and liabilities to the union. The court also had to assess the credibility of Mr Bignall's claims regarding his financial position and alleged debts.

Judge Willis AM ultimately dismissed the respondent's application to alter the existing interests in the property. The court reasoned that, in light of the circumstances, including the short duration of the relationship and the findings regarding the respondent's financial representations, it was not just and equitable to make an order altering the parties' property interests. Consequently, the court ordered that the proceeds of sale of a property located at B Street, Suburb C, which were held on trust, were to be distributed solely to the applicant, Ms Radner. The parties were also given a period of 28 days to file any application concerning costs.