Elias & Elias Pty Ltd atf the Elias Family Trust v Antoun Toufic Chidiac & ors [2010] NSWSC 1364

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Elias & Elias Pty Ltd atf the Elias Family Trust v Antoun Toufic Chidiac & ors [2010] NSWSC 1364

HEARING DATE(S) : 13 & 30 September 2010

JUDGMENT DATE : 26 November 2010

JURISDICTION : Equity Division

JUDGMENT OF : Brereton J

DECISION : Application stay of proceedings & alternatively transfer to Family Court dismissed

CATCHWORDS : PROCEDURE – Courts and Judges generally – Courts – Concurrent jurisdiction of different courts – Transfer of proceedings under cross-vesting legislation – whether appropriate and in the interests of justice – relevant considerations – natural forum – where alternative court has already made transfer order – COURTS & JUDGES – Family Court – accrued jurisdiction – whether accrued jurisdiction in respect of application by mortgagee to enforce mortgage where concurrent proceeding in Family Court to set aside mortgage – FAMILY LAW – property – third parties – setting aside dispositions – whether triable case for setting aside mortgage by one spouse to third party – basis of jurisdiction to restrain enforcement of mortgage in interim

(CTH) Family Law Act 1975, s 79, s 90AE, s 90AF, s 106B, s 114. (CTH) Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-Vesting) Act 1987, s 13 LEGISLATION CITED : (NSW) Civil Procedure Act 2005, s 67 (NSW) Contracts Review Act 1980 (NSW) Conveyancing Act 1919, s 66G (NSW) Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-Vesting) Act 1987, s 5

CATEGORY : Principal judgment

Christie v Christie (2007) 37 Fam LR 181 Fencott v Muller (1983) 152 CLR 570 Halabi & Artillaga (1993) 17 Fam LR 675 In the Marriage of D & D (1984) 10 Fam LR 73 CASES CITED : In the Marriage of Gould; Swire Investments Ltd (1993) 115 FLR 371; (1993) 17 Fam LR 156; (1993) FLC 92-434 In the Marriage of Heath (No 2) (1984) 9 Fam LR 642 Re Wakim; Ex parte McNally (1999) 198 CLR 511 Valceski v Valceski (2007) 70 NSWLR 36 Young v Lalic [2006] NSWSC 18; 197 FLR 27