Vang & Chung

In the matter of *Vang & Chung*, heard by Morley J, the applicant wife and respondent husband were involved in proceedings concerning property adjustment under section 79 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The wife sought an adjustment of the net asset pool, proposing 20 per cent for herself and 80 per cent for the husband. The proceedings also involved applications relating to security for costs and the production of documents via subpoenas.

The court was required to determine several legal issues, including whether the husband should be granted security for costs against the wife. Additionally, the court had to consider objections raised by the wife to subpoenas issued to Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Corporation, and objections raised by the husband to subpoenas issued to Company B and Mr C, as well as a subpoena to National Australia Bank. The court also needed to determine the terms of access and inspection of documents produced by these subpoenas.

Morley J dismissed the husband's application for security for costs. The court also dismissed the wife's objections to the subpoenas issued to Commonwealth Bank and Westpac, granting her limited access to the produced material for the purpose of redacting identifying information, followed by the husband's inspection. The objections raised by the husband to subpoenas directed to Company B and Mr C were also dismissed, with the wife's solicitors granted leave to inspect and photocopy documents, subject to strict conditions regarding the wife's direct access. Similarly, the husband's objection to a subpoena to National Australia Bank was dismissed, with directions for the husband's solicitors to first access and remove documents pertaining to specific periods, with the remaining material to be made available for inspection and photocopying by the wife's solicitors under supervised conditions.

The court further ordered that in the event the husband intended to sell or further encumber the property at E Street, Suburb F NSW, he must provide 21 days' notice to the wife. The proceedings were listed for a further mention and directions.