WOOTON & HILLIER

In the matter of WOOTON & HILLIER, Gill J of the relevant Australian court considered an application concerning the division of property. The dispute involved the valuation of two properties located in the Australian Capital Territory.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders regarding the costs of the application, the appointment of a single expert for property valuations, the process for instructing that expert, and the sharing of valuation costs. Additionally, the court needed to address the procedural timeline, including vacating a previous directions date and relisting the matter for further directions.

Gill J ordered that the husband pay the wife's costs of the application, with the sum to be agreed or taxed within 14 days. Mr R was appointed as the agreed Single Expert for the valuation of the properties at N Street and P Street. A specific process was outlined for the parties to draft and agree on the letters of instruction to Mr R, with the respondent to provide a draft within 7 days and the applicant to provide comments thereafter. The costs of these valuations are to be shared equally between the parties. The court also ordered the respondent to respond to proposed amendments to a letter of instruction for Ms S within 7 days, vacated the 3 April 2017 directions date, and relisted the matter for further directions on 29 May 2017, with liberty for parties to attend by telephone.