Singer and Singer and Anor

In the matter of *Singer and Singer and Anor*, heard before Justice Cronin, the proceedings concerned a dispute between a husband and wife, with a second respondent, Y Singer, also involved. The core of the dispute revolved around the division of assets and liabilities, necessitating valuations of various properties and business interests, as well as the provision of financial information and litigation funding.

The court was required to determine several key issues. These included the appointment of single expert witnesses to value specific assets, namely real estate and business interests held by the husband and the wife. The court also had to address the provision of necessary documentation and information to these experts to facilitate their valuations. Furthermore, the court was tasked with ordering the husband to provide litigation funding to the wife and to make arrangements for the securing of any borrowings required for this purpose. Finally, the court needed to establish clear directions for the exchange of financial documents and information between the parties, and to make orders regarding the transfer of specific assets.

Justice Cronin's decision, largely by consent of the parties, involved a series of detailed orders aimed at progressing the resolution of the financial matters. The court appointed specific individuals and firms as single expert witnesses to conduct valuations of properties and business interests, including the husband's interest in A Group and/or X Singer Holdings Pty Ltd, and the wife's interest in T property. The husband was ordered to provide a significant sum by way of litigation funding to the wife, with the option to secure these borrowings against the assets of the X and Y Group. The orders also mandated the timely provision of all requested documents and information to the appointed valuers, and stipulated the exchange of superannuation entitlements and other financial documents between the husband and wife. The court also made specific orders regarding the transfer of a Victorian registration plate.