Ransome and Ransome

In Ransome and Ransome, Watts J of the Family Court of Australia determined the parenting and property settlement arrangements for the parties. The dispute concerned the future care of the parties' three children and the division of their assets and liabilities.

The court was required to make orders regarding the parental responsibility for the children, their living arrangements, and the extent of the husband's contact with them. Additionally, the court had to determine the division of the proceeds from the sale of a property, the ownership of various bank accounts, investments, furniture, personal effects, and superannuation entitlements. The court also needed to address the allocation of liabilities and the mechanism for enforcing the orders.

Watts J ordered that the wife have sole parental responsibility for the children, who were to live with her. The husband was restrained by injunction from contacting the children until further order. In relation to property, the proceeds of sale of a property were to be distributed with 85% to the wife and 15% to the husband. Each party was declared the sole legal and beneficial owner of their respective bank accounts, investments, furniture, personal effects, and superannuation entitlements. The orders also stipulated that each party was solely entitled to property in their possession and solely liable for any liabilities encumbering that property. The court further provided for the Registrar of the Family Court to execute documents on behalf of a party who failed to comply with the orders, and the husband was ordered to pay the wife's costs.