Sullman v Sullman [2002] NSWSC 169

Reported Decision : (2002) DFC 95-248

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Sullman v Sullman [2002] NSWSC 169 CURRENT JURISDICTION: Equity FILE NUMBER(S) : SC 5016/99 HEARING DATE(S) : 29/1/02-4/2/02, 6/2/02-8/2/02 JUDGMENT DATE : 27 March 2002

PARTIES : Penelope Ann Sullman (plaintiff; cross-defendant) Michael John Sullman (defendant; cross-claimant) JUDGMENT OF : Campbell J

COUNSEL : D E Grieve QC (plaintiff; cross-defendant) R C Lethbridge SC; with N Jackson (defendant; cross-claimant) SOLICITORS : M C Griffith & Co (plaintiff; cross-defendant) Hunt & Hunt (defendant; cross-claimant) CATCHWORDS : FAMILY LAW AND CHILD WELFARE - DE FACTO RELATIONSHIPS - construction of section 20 Property (Relationships) Act 1984 application of transitional provisions for 1999 amendments - whether contributions after end of relationship can be taken into account - whether financial contributions can be taken into account under section 20(1)(b) - meaning of "just and equitable" - EVIDENCE - no Jones v Dunkell inference available where witness not called is a solicitor and solicitor giving evidence would involve waiver of legal professional privilege - EVIDENCE - effect of failure to cross-examine - PERSONAL PROPERTY - ownership and possession - title to motor vehicle Property (Relationships) Act 1984 Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 (Cth) Property (Relationships) Legislation Amendment Act 1999 LEGISLATION CITED : De Facto Relationships Act 1984 Family Law Act 1996 Conveyancing Act 1919 Casino Control Act 1992 Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 D v McA (1986) 11 Fam LR 214 Roy v Sturgeon (1986) 11 NSWLR 454 Howland v Ellis [2001] NSWCA 465 George v Hibberson [1987] DFC 95-054 Evans v Marmont (1997) 42 NSWLR 70 CASES CITED : Myers v Myers 21 October 1986; (1987) DFC 95-056 Stephenson v State Bank of New South Wales Ltd (1996) 39 NSWLR 101 Ellis v Wallsend District Hospital (1989) 17 NSWLR 553 Hibberson v George (1989) 12 Fam LR 725 Nguyen v Schieff [2002] NSWSC 151 Paric v John Holland (Constructions) Pty Ltd [1984] 2 NSWLR 505 DECISION : Application for adjustment of property interests refused. Declaration of proportionate beneficial interests in motor vehicle.