Stinson and Goldsmith and Anor

This case concerned parenting and property disputes between a husband and wife. The parties sought orders for equal shared parental responsibility, with differing proposals for the children's living arrangements. The property dispute involved a substantial asset pool, including several properties and a significant post-separation inheritance received by the husband. The wife sought adjustments to the property division based on her contributions as primary homemaker and carer, as well as her pre-cohabitation assets, while the husband argued for an adjustment based on his inheritance and business contributions.

The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for the parties' two children, specifically their residence and time spent with each parent, as well as the division of school holidays and special occasions. In relation to property, the court had to consider the parties' respective contributions, including the husband's inheritance and the wife's role as homemaker and primary carer, and make adjustments under section 75(2) of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to achieve a just and equitable distribution of the asset pool.

The court ordered equal shared parental responsibility for the children, with the children to reside with the wife and spend time with the husband initially for four nights per fortnight, increasing to five nights after 12 months. Orders were also made for the sharing of holidays and special occasions. In the property division, the court ordered a distribution of 57.5% to the husband and 42.5% to the wife, reflecting a 10% adjustment in the husband's favour for contributions and a 2.5% adjustment in the wife's favour for section 75(2) factors. The husband was to retain the former matrimonial home and all adjoining farming properties.