Reeves & Hillman

Reeves and Hillman is a family law matter that was heard in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Division 1. The case involved the application by Mr Reeves, one of the liquidators of HH Pty Ltd, seeking the payment of his remuneration. The application was made by Mr Reeves following the winding up of the company by an Order made by Austin J on 17 November 2016, and the appointment of Mr Reeves and Mr AS as liquidators. The Court was required to determine whether the husband, Mr Hillman, was liable to pay the liquidator's remuneration of $67,056.73 as per the original order and whether the claimed remuneration was reasonable. The Court also considered whether the application was brought out of time and whether it was defective.

The Court found that the husband was liable to pay the liquidator's remuneration as per the original order made by Austin J. The Court determined that the company did not have sufficient funds to pay the liquidators' costs, and therefore the husband was responsible for paying the fees. The Court found that the claimed remuneration was reasonable and in line with industry standards. The Court also dismissed the husband's argument that the application was out of time and defective, and that it was unlawful.

The Court made an order that the remuneration of Mr Reeves and Mr AS as liquidators of HH Pty Ltd for the period from 17 November 2016 to 1 February 2021 be fixed in the amount of $67,056.73 (inclusive of GST). The Court further ordered that the remuneration of the liquidators, together with the outlays incurred or payable by the liquidators, be paid by the husband, Mr Hillman. The Court also set out a process to be followed if the liquidator sought to pursue an application for costs of and incidental to the Application filed on 12 May 2021.