A recent decision made by Justice Benjamin at first instance in the Family Court of Australia in the case of Simic & Norton highlights the obligations of legal representatives in family law proceedings.
This was a case that involved a determination about parenting and property settlement. All matters were ultimately settled, albeit on the seventh day of trial but Justice Benjamin still made orders referring both the legal representatives for the Husband and the Wife for investigation by the NSW Legal Services Commision. (“the LSC”)
The Wife’s liability for legal fees was $352,744 and the Husband’s liability for legal fees was $506,000.