Stoppford and Stoppford

In *Stoppford and Stoppford*, the Full Court of the Family Court of Australia considered an appeal by the husband against orders made by a registrar. The dispute concerned the division of property following the breakdown of the marriage.

The primary legal issue before the Full Court was whether the registrar had erred in law by failing to provide adequate reasons for the property settlement orders made. Specifically, the court had to determine if the registrar's reasons were sufficiently detailed to enable the parties to understand the basis of the decision and to allow for effective appellate review.

The Full Court found that the registrar's reasons were indeed inadequate. It held that a judicial officer making property settlement orders must provide reasons that explain the factual findings and the application of relevant legal principles, such as those found in section 79 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The absence of such reasons meant the husband was unable to ascertain how the registrar had arrived at the final property division, thereby hindering his right to appeal. Consequently, the Full Court allowed the husband's appeal.

The Full Court ordered that the husband pay the wife's costs of the proceedings in the sum of $1,000.00, payable within 60 days.