Riddler and Riddler and Ors

In the matter of *Riddler and Riddler*, Aldridge J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia was required to determine a dispute between Mr C Riddler (husband), Ms D Riddler (wife), and Mr B Riddler. The proceedings concerned the setting aside of a deed of loan agreement and a residential tenancy agreement, the beneficial ownership of certain shares in E Property, and the sale and distribution of proceeds from a property located at F Street, Suburb G. The wife's application for spousal maintenance was also before the court.

The court was tasked with determining whether to set aside the loan and tenancy agreements pursuant to section 106B of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). Further issues included declaring the beneficial ownership of specific shares in E Property and making orders for the sale of the husband's shares in the F Street property, including the method of sale, appointment of agents, and disbursement of sale proceeds. The court also had to consider the wife's claim for spousal maintenance and make orders regarding the parties' respective liabilities for debts and the assessment of child support.

Aldridge J ordered that the deed of loan agreement and the residential tenancy agreement be set aside. The court declared Mr B Riddler to be the beneficial owner of the specified shares in E Property. The husband was ordered to sell his shares in the F Street property within four months, with detailed provisions for listing, agent appointment, and sale procedures, including a reserve price mechanism. The proceeds of sale were to be applied first to sale costs, then to discharge encumbrances, capital gains tax, with the balance distributed 71% to the wife and 29% to the husband. The wife's application for spousal maintenance was dismissed. The parties were ordered to retain other property in their sole possession and to indemnify each other for debts, with specific indemnities provided by the husband to the wife. Finally, child support payments were varied, with the husband to pay $500 per week per child and 100% of specified educational, sporting, and medical expenses for the children.