The concept of exclusive occupation of the matrimonial home often arises in the context of disputes following the breakdown of a marriage. In a recent Family Court decision, the Court examined the principles guiding applications for one party to have exclusive possession of the former matrimonial residence. The power to grant such an injunction is derived from section 114 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), which provides the Court with discretionary authority to make orders it considers "proper." This...
Matrimonial Home Principles which are Applicable to Sole Use and Occupation The principles to be applied in making an order for sole use and occupancy of the former matrimonial home pursuant to s 114(1) of the Act are to be understood in light of the observations about the general nature of the injunctive powers of this section of the Act. They may be summarised as follows: a) the Court may make such an order as it thinks proper; b) there are no words...
