Vollmer v Hauber Davidson

The Full Court of the Supreme Court of Western Australia heard an appeal concerning the adjustment of property interests between the parties, Mr Vollmer and Ms Hauber Davidson. The dispute arose from the breakdown of their de facto relationship and the subsequent division of assets.

The primary legal issue before the Full Court was whether the Master had erred in his assessment of the parties' respective contributions to the relationship and their property, and consequently, in the adjustment of their property interests. This involved a review of the Master's findings regarding financial and non-financial contributions, as well as the weight given to future needs.

The Full Court found that the Master had made errors in his assessment, particularly in relation to the valuation of certain assets and the equitable distribution of the proceeds. The Court applied principles of property adjustment in de facto relationship matters, considering the contributions of each party and their respective future needs. The Court allowed the appeal, finding that the Master's orders did not adequately reflect the evidence presented.

The Full Court ordered that each party was to bear their own costs for the proceedings before the Master and for the appeal to the Full Court.