Wasser and Wasser

In the matter of *Wasser and Wasser*, Justice Cohen of the Family Court of Australia considered a dispute concerning the division of property between a former husband and wife. The parties had separated after a lengthy marriage, and the court was tasked with determining a just and equitable distribution of their accumulated assets and liabilities.

The primary legal issues before the court were the characterisation of certain assets, including a property and shares, and the appropriate weight to be given to the contributions of each party to the marriage, both financial and non-financial. The court also had to consider the future needs of each party, including their respective earning capacities and any relevant health issues.

Justice Cohen applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly sections 75 and 79, which govern property adjustment. The court carefully analysed the evidence presented regarding the acquisition and maintenance of the assets, as well as the contributions made by each party throughout the marriage, including homemaking and parenting. The assessment of future needs involved a forward-looking analysis of each party's circumstances post-separation.

The court made orders for the division of the property, reflecting its findings on the parties' contributions and future needs, aiming for a just and equitable outcome.