RUSKIN & BONNER

In the matter of *Ruskin & Bonner*, heard by Cronin J, the court considered a complex family law dispute involving parenting arrangements, property settlement, spousal maintenance, and child support. The mother had made serious allegations against the father, while the father alleged the mother had borderline personality disorder, with conflicting psychiatric evidence presented. Despite these allegations, the court was asked to determine the best interests of the two children, V and E, and to resolve the division of significant marital assets and ongoing financial support obligations.

The primary legal issues before the court were: the appropriate parenting orders for the children, given the acrimonious relationship and allegations between the parents; the division of property, where the husband's contributions were described as overwhelming; the quantum of spousal maintenance, with entitlement not in dispute but the amount to be determined based on reasonable need; and a departure application concerning child support, which the court indicated should be dealt with on the basis of the assessment.

Cronin J reasoned that, despite the allegations, equal time was ultimately proposed by the mother, and that other aspects of parenting indicated equal sharing was in the children's best interests. The court's orders reflect a carefully balanced approach to parenting, granting the husband sole responsibility for major long-term decisions regarding the children's medical and psychological treatment, and education, while establishing a rotating living arrangement. The court also imposed significant restrictions on the removal of the children from Australia and placed their names on an Airport Watch List. In relation to property, the court ordered a substantial payment from the husband to the wife, along with the transfer of interests in various properties and bank accounts, and a division of superannuation. Spousal maintenance was ordered at a specific weekly amount for a defined period.