RULE & RULE

In the matter of *Rule & Rule*, Judge Harland of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered an application filed by the husband, Mr Rule, and the wife, Ms Rule. The dispute concerned the distribution of funds held on trust and the husband's ability to institute further proceedings under the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

The court was required to determine the appropriate distribution of funds held by a solicitor, the terms of payment for specific amounts to the wife and Ms B Rule, and the allocation of the remaining balance to the husband, including deductions for costs. Additionally, the court had to consider whether to impose restrictions on the husband's ability to commence future proceedings under the Act.

Judge Harland reasoned that the application filed by the husband should be summarily dismissed. The court then made detailed orders for the disbursement of the trust funds, directing the wife to instruct the solicitor to pay specific sums to Ms B Rule and the wife's solicitors, with the balance to be paid to the husband. These orders included provisions for the wife's costs and any further legal costs incurred. The court also granted the wife sole authority to direct the conveyancer regarding the proceeds of sale. Crucially, pursuant to s.102QB(2)(b) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the husband was prohibited from instituting further proceedings under the Act against or in relation to the wife without first obtaining leave.