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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 CIVIL APPEAL NO.: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984\charrsid4660984 
HBA000}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 3 OF 2004
\par \{Magistrate\rquote s Court MTC Case No.: 180 of 2001\}
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 BETWEEN:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 INISE B. KOROIWACA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 APPELLANT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 AND:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 RATU GEORGE R.S. BAKOSO
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 RESPONDENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par Mr. E. Veretawatini for the Appellant
\par Mr. V. Maharaj for the Respondent 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4660984 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 \'93
Divorce creates many problems.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 One question always arises.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 It concerns how the property of the husband and wife should be divided and whether one of them should continue to support the others.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984 
 }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Stated in the most general terms the answer is obvious.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
Every one would accept that the outcome on these matters, whether by agreement or court order, should be fair, more realistically, the outcome ought to be as fair as it possible in the circumstances.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }
{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 But every one\rquote s life is different.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
Features which are important when discussing fairness differ in each case.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
And sometimes different minds can reach different conclusions on what fairness requires.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
Then fairness like beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.\'94 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 \endash  White v. White (2000) 1 ALL ER 1.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par Counsels in the appeal before me argued with great deal of moderation.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 They both concluded that the proceedings in the Magistrate
\rquote s Court were irregular.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 I agree and was minded to send the case back for rehearing by another Magistrate.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 However, they requested that some guidelines are warranted in Divorce cases for resolutions of property matters by magistrates.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 FACTS:
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The parties were married in April 1986.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
It appears from ages of children that the parties had lived in de-facto relationship prior to the marriage.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
The petition names three children born in August 1983, September 1984 and June 1986.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
The petition was filed in December 2002 by which time one child was over 19 years, another over 18 years and third one 16 years.
\par 
\par On 13th February 2003 Decree Nisi was ordered to become absolute on expiry of forty days.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
The custody of all three children (two of whom were over 18 years) was granted to the petitioner with reasonable access to the respondent.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The respondent husband was ordered to pay maintenance of $100.00 fortnightly for the children, until further order of the court.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The petitioner and three children were permitted to occupy the matrimonial home.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The matrimonial property was ordered to be transferred to the three children and even though it is not very clear the petitioner and respondent were to be trustees.
\par 
\par On 24th March 2003 the decree was made absolute.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
The court records show that the respondent/appellant had agreed to various orders being made including orders for transfer of property.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 He was unrepresented.
\par 
\par On 28th February 2003 the respondent/appellant wrote a letter directly to the Magistrate (not the Magistrate who had heard the formal proof) asking for review of orders made on Decree Nisi.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 This application was entertained.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The respondent\rquote 
s wife was called to court.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Affidavits were ordered to be filed by both parties.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 No oral evidence was called for.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
A fresh order was made in respect of matrimonial property under which the matrimonial property was ordered to be sold, mortgage paid off, the respondent husband\rquote 
s contribution be paid back to Fiji National Provident Fund and surplus to be shared equally between the petitioner and the respondent.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 NEED TO EXAMINE TITLE BEFORE MAKING ORDERS:
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 There are certain features of this case which are quite disturbing.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The husband was unrepresented.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
He may have consented to the orders but the issue remains did he really understand the implication of property orders which were going to be made.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The records show that no evidence was led about the matrimonial property.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 No copy of title was called for.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
The court was not even aware whether it was Crown Land, Native Land or freehold.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
Enquiries regarding the nature of title are always relevant in Fiji as in case of State land and native land and Housing Authority land the consent to transfer must be obtained from the relevant authorities before transfer of property can be done.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The obtaining of consent to transfer from these authorities in a statutory requirement which cannot be overridden by
 the courts. At times properties are mortgaged to Banks which might oppose certain transfers unless they are paid off.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
Their view must be taken instead of only later finding that orders made cannot be put into practice.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
The court must always insist on coun
sels or parties producing a certified true copy of a title which shows current endorsements on title as there may be mortgages, charges or caveats against the title and which cannot be ignored when property matters are being dealt with.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Existence of such interests on the title must be addressed before transfers to one party or children can be ordered.
\par 
\par The husband\rquote s application for review of Decree Nisi by letter is equally disturbing.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
I was at a loss how the second magistrate had reheard the property matter.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
It was Mr. Vijay Maharaj, counsel for the applicant who made a copy of that letter available to me.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
The letter was not part of the record.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 There might have to be insistence on proper applications as it has implications for the revenue.
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 No filing fees was paid on this letter so the application was not properly before the court.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
It also appears from the record that the second magistrate was not merely carrying out a variation of the property order but looking at it de novo leaving two seemingly contradictory orders in respect of the matrimonial properly on the title.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
I set aside both the orders so far as they relate to the property at 34 Velau Drive which parties agree is matrimonial property held jointly by the parties.
\par 
\par Parties agree that divorce was properly granted so that is not an issue.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 PARTIES MUST UNDERSTAND CONSEQUENCES OF ORDERS:
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 In matrimonial matters the court is not there merely to rubber stamp the wishes of the parties.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The court must comply with the requirements of the Matrimonial Causes Act.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Facts must be proved to the reasonable satisfaction of the court \endash  see Section 93 of the Act and also }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
Ivan Harold Gibson v. Salaseini Nakacia}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  \endash  HBA00}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
17 of 2001 judgment of Scott J. where he has gone to great length to explain the requirements of the Act and the need for court to be reasonably satisfied on evidence before making the orders.
\par 
\par Property settlements are done under Section 86 of the Matrimonial Causes Act.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The court can make such orders it }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 \'93considers just and equitable in the}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
circumstances of the case\'94.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The court has a discretion in making such orders.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The section grants the court the discretion.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
Very often both parties or a party in divorce proceedings are unrepresented.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
They may be tired of a relationship which has turned out to be tumultuous.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Their minds may be focused on one thing \endash 
 to bring an end to that relationship without appreciating other consequential orders.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
Accordingly great care ought to be taken to see that parties fully appreciate the type of orders and their consequences.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The c
ourt must ensure that the party to be affected is aware of the nature of the orders sought against him and adequate opportunity is given to him/her to present his/her case in opposition to making such orders.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 As Barwick CJ in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Sanders v. Sanders}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  1968 ALR 43 at 48 put it}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 :
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 \'93
Great care ought to be exercised to ensure that opponent parties are fully apprised of what is claimed against him or them before the court\rquote s powers are exercised.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Substantial adherence to the Matrimonial Causes Rules will no doubt be the 
most efficacious way of ensuring both that knowledge and adequate opportunity to meet the claims in fact being made.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 FACTORS TO LOOK AT:
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 When an order for settlement of property is sought, then it becomes important to decide how and when the property wa
s acquired as these factors might decide whether the property is a matrimonial property.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Factors to look at would be :
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 (a)\tab whether the property was acquired by a party before marriage.

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 (b)\tab whether the property had been inherited by a party by disposition
 in a will from his parents or a relative.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 This would suggest that such a property does not form part of the matrimonial property.

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 (c)\tab 
Thirdly, we have situation where property is acquired during marriage but transferred into the name of one party.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The Ma
trimonial causes Act gives no criteria or factors to look at when deciding whether a property is a matrimonial property or when making orders under Section 86(1).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par Respective contributions can be taken into account in consideration of an appropriate order under Section 86(1) \endash  }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Protima Devi v. Rajeshwar Singh }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 \endash  Fiji Court of Appeal 29 of 1985.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
Contribution is not solely confined to financial contribution.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 It is much more than that.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 There must also be an end to the obsolete assertion that a breadwinner\rquote s con
tribution weighs heavier than the one who looks after the home.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 The nature of a breadwinner\rquote s and a homemaker\rquote 
s contributions are intrinsically different.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Each should be recognized as no less valuable than the other.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 A wife who stays home and looks after the children contributes in her own special way to the family.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 Motherhood too is a profession.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 There is no basis for discriminating between a breadwinner\rquote s and a homemaker\rquote s contributions.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 What is expected by legislature is for court to make a fair and just property settlement.
\par 
\par The final order is that the property settlement orders in respect of 34 Velau Drive are set aside.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4660984  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
The matter is to be reheard by a different magistrate.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 [ Jiten Singh ]
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4660984 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3490226\charrsid4660984 
\par At Suva
\par 26th May 2004
\par }}