REAGAN & REAGAN

In the Family Court of Australia, Ms. Reagan sought interim injunctive relief against Mr. Reagan in property settlement proceedings. Ms. Reagan alleged a lack of full disclosure by Mr. Reagan, and the court considered whether granting an injunction would unduly burden Mr. Reagan's business interests. The proceedings were adjourned, with caveats to remain over the parties' properties.

The central legal issue before Barry J was whether to grant interim injunctions restraining Mr. Reagan from dealing with certain property, given Ms. Reagan's concerns about disclosure and the potential impact on Mr. Reagan's business. The court was required to balance the need to preserve assets relevant to the proceedings against the potential burden on Mr. Reagan's commercial activities.

Barry J reasoned that interim injunctive relief was warranted to preserve the marital asset pool pending final resolution. The court granted injunctions over property held by the parties and their associated entities, including M Pty Ltd and the Reagan Family Trust, and their subsidiaries. Mr. Reagan was restrained from dealing with property relevant to the proceedings exceeding $5,000, with specific exceptions for ordinary living expenses, agreed payments, reasonable legal expenses, and certain loan payments. Further, Mr. Reagan was permitted to deal with assets to discharge bona fide contractual obligations incurred before the order, provided he gave Ms. Reagan two working days' notice. Ms. Reagan was required to file an undertaking as to damages.