RUSSELL & ROVANIO

In the matter of *Russell & Rovanio*, heard before Cronin J, the dispute concerned the existence and duration of a de facto relationship between the parties. The applicant sought final orders in relation to this relationship, while the respondent had filed a response.

The primary legal issue before the Court was to determine whether the parties had been in a de facto relationship and, if so, for what period. This determination was a prerequisite for any further substantive orders concerning the division of property or other matters arising from such a relationship.

Cronin J declared that the parties were in a de facto relationship from 2001 until its termination in September 2011. Having made this declaration, the Court dismissed all interim applications, save for those relating to costs. The applications for final orders and the response were referred for listing for a first-day hearing before a judge. The Court also certified that it was appropriate to brief counsel and set out a timetable for written submissions regarding costs arising from the interim proceedings.