Reagan and Reagan (No 2)

In the matter of *Reagan and Reagan (No 2)*, Ms Reagan (the applicant wife) and Mr Reagan (the respondent husband) brought their property settlement dispute before Barry J of the Family Court of Australia. The proceedings involved injunctions previously granted to prevent the husband from dealing with property exceeding $5000, which included the family superannuation fund. These injunctions had caused disruption to other family members and the husband's business dealings. The wife had engaged a forensic accountant to value matrimonial assets, while the husband sought the appointment of single expert witnesses.

The court was required to determine how to balance the burden of the existing injunctions on the husband's business against the wife's need for protective relief. A key issue was the extent to which further expert opinion was necessary to resolve the disputed matters. The court also considered variations to previous orders concerning the scope of the injunctions, particularly in relation to the family superannuation fund.

Barry J reasoned that the complex nature of the material filed by both parties immediately prior to hearing dates indicated that further expert opinion was essential for the determination of the issues in dispute. To ensure an expeditious resolution while allowing for necessary expert consultation, the matter was adjourned. Consent orders were made regarding the disclosure of relevant documents by both parties, and the previous orders were varied to exclude the family superannuation fund from the property subject to the injunctions. Costs were reserved to the trial judge.