Taylor v Webster

In Taylor v Webster, the parties were a de facto couple who lived on a rural property and conducted business in cattle breeding and engineering through a company. The plaintiff, who was the principal homemaker, sought an adjustment of property interests upon the termination of the relationship, while the defendant, the principal breadwinner, resisted. The court was required to determine the respective contributions of each party to the relationship and the property, and how those contributions should be reflected in the adjustment of their interests.

The court considered the nature and duration of the relationship, the respective contributions of each party, and the financial position of the parties at the time of the relationship's termination. The court found that the plaintiff made significant contributions to the relationship and the businesses, despite not being the primary earner, and that the defendant had a significantly higher income. The court held that the plaintiff was entitled to a substantial adjustment of property interests to reflect her contributions.

The court further found that the plaintiff's contributions to the relationship and businesses, including her role as a homemaker and her involvement in the decision-making processes of the company, were significant and should be recognised in the adjustment of property interests. The court also noted that the defendant had been able to maintain and grow his income during the relationship, and that the plaintiff's contributions had facilitated this. The court ordered that the property interests of the parties be adjusted to reflect the plaintiff's significant contributions.