Robinson and Farthing (No 2)

In *Robinson and Farthing (No 2)*, the Full Court of the Family Court of Australia considered an appeal by the wife against orders made by Cronin J. The dispute concerned the division of property between the parties following their separation.

The primary legal issue before the Full Court was whether Cronin J had erred in his assessment of the parties' contributions and in his exercise of discretion when making the property settlement orders. Specifically, the wife argued that the primary judge had failed to adequately consider her contributions, both financial and non-financial, to the marriage and the acquisition, conservation, and improvement of the matrimonial assets.

The Full Court analysed the evidence presented at trial and the reasons for judgment of Cronin J. It applied established principles of family law concerning the assessment of contributions under section 79 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) and the exercise of judicial discretion in property adjustment proceedings. The Court found no error in the primary judge's findings of fact or in his application of the relevant legal principles. The appeal was therefore dismissed.

Consequently, the Full Court ordered that the wife pay the husband's costs of the appeal, fixed in the sum of $7,500.