How Our So-called “special Contributions” in a Marriage Assessed?

James SD • September 25, 2024
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How Our So-called “special Contributions” in a Marriage Assessed?

One of the difficult tasks in dividing up the asset pool, following separation, is to assess what weight is to be given to the various contributions made on behalf of either party to a marriage to the acquisition preservation and maintenance of the asset pool. More often than not, one party has made more direct or indirect financial contributions whilst the other party may have made greater contributions in the role of homemaker and parent. Special contributions should not be ignored. In a recent 2012 decision the Family Court made an adjustment of 10% in the husband’s favour taking the view that the father’s economic or contributions the family business were significantly greater than the wife’s contribution to the home, children and family . If you feel that you have made “special contributions” these should be carefully pleaded to be given appropriate weight. In other matters, where the mother has been left to care for disabled children with little or no input from the father, the court has given significant adjustments in the mother’s favour.


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