Ruane and Bachmann-Ruane

In the matter of Ruane and Bachmann-Ruane, Justice Cronin of the Family Court of Australia considered interim applications made by the husband and the wife in proceedings concerning property settlement and legal costs. The dispute involved the distribution of funds held in trust by the parties' respective legal representatives and the management of certain bank accounts.

The court was required to determine the appropriate interim distribution of property and provision for legal costs for both the husband and the wife. Additionally, the court needed to consider whether to impose any restraints on the wife's ability to deal with specific bank accounts, and to make orders regarding the dismissal of interim applications and the future conduct of the proceedings, including discovery and costs.

Justice Cronin ordered interim distributions of property and provisions for legal costs from funds held in trust by the parties' solicitors. The husband was to receive $250,000 for property distribution and $250,000 for legal costs, while the wife was to receive $200,000 for property distribution and $160,000 for legal costs. The wife was also restrained from dealing with certain business and personal bank accounts without the husband's written consent. The court dismissed the parties' interim applications, save for the issue of costs, but granted liberty to apply regarding discovery. The court also certified that the engagement of counsel, including senior counsel and two counsel, was reasonable.