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{\*\bkmkstart Ivan_Gibson_v_Salaseini_Nakacia}IVAN HAROLD GIBSON v SALASEINI NAKACIA
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\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 Appeal against property adjustment order \endash  whether Magistrate considered the onus placed on the petitioner to prove the existence of a}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 ground for divorce \endash  whether the Magistrate took the children}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518 '
}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 s age into consideration when giving the order that decree nisi be made absolute - Whether Magistrate heard all the evidence relating to property adjustment - Matrimonial Causes Act}
{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 ss56, 58, 86 and 93; Magistrates}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518 '}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  Court Rules}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 r.21(1).
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 In July 1999, the Respondent petitioned for divorce on the grounds of cruelty. Apart from decree nisi she also sought custody of the two children
 then aged 6 and 5 respectively with reasonable access to the Appellant, and transfer of the Appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
s half share in a property at Wailekutu, Lami to her. Upon hearing the matter, which the Appellant did not attend, the Magis
trate granted the orders sought by the Respondent as contained in her petition. The Appellant now appeals against the order transferring his half share in the property at Wailekutu, Lami to the Respondent. 
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 Held \endash  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 the Resident Magistrate failed to comply 
with ss56, 58, 86 and 93 of the Matrimonial Causes Act (Cap 51) and rule 21(1) of the Magistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  Court Act.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
He failed to satisfy himself that the petitioner has proved the existence of a ground for divorce, and heard no evidence on property, thus had no
 material on which to base his decision to award a half share to the Respondent, and therefore took the wrong approach when giving an order to dissolve the marriage.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  
Property adjustment orders are orders have far reaching consequences.\~ They must be made by a full examination of the parties}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  means and needs, the needs of any children of the family, the history of the acquisition of the property and whether the parties are possessed of any other properties.\~
Failure to adhere to this general approach will lead to property adjustment orders being wrongly decided and set aside on appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  
\par Appeal against the property adjustment order allowed.
\par 
\par [Note: the Family Law Act 18/03 repealed the Matrimonial Causes Act WEF 1 November 2005]
\par 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 Appellant in person 
\par Rt Joni Mdraiwiwi for the Respondent
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15 November, 2001\cell }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\pararsid13894518 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518\charrsid13894518 judgment}{
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\cellx8748\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13894518 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 Scott, J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13894518\charrsid13894518 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 The Appellant (husband) and the Respondent (Wife) were married in April 1993.
\par 
\par In July 1999 the wife petitioned for divorce on the grounds of cruelty.\~ The petition showed that there were two children of the family then aged 6 and 5.\~ Apart from a decree nisi the wife sought custody of the children with re}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 asonable access to the husband.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  She also sought transfer to her of the husband}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 s undivided half share in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 
 a property at Wailekutu, Lami.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  No Answer was filed.
\par 
\par On 5 January 2000 the petition came on for hearing.\~ The husband was absent although he had been present on four previous occasions.
\par \~
\par The only evidence given by the petitioner was as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13894518 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518\charrsid13894518 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 I agree that paragraph 1 to 9 in my petition is true and correct.\~
 I tender the marriage certificate as exhibit No. 1, the children}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
s birth certificates as exhibit No. 2 and 3.\~ I am asking for the orders contained in my petition dated 21/7/99 i.e. Orders (a) to (e).\~ The Respondent
 has been served a copy of the petition on 14/12/99 and he has appeared in Court and (been) given an opportunity to answer.\~ He has failed to answer the petition as of today.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13894518 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par Having heard the petition the Court delivered the following judgment which is set out in its entirety:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13894518 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518\charrsid13894518 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 the Respondent has not answered the petition despite being served on 14/12/99.\~
 I therefore grant the orders sought by the Petitioner as contained in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) in her petition dated 21/7/99.\~ The decree nisi to be made absolute within 30 days.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13894518 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par As will be seen from the petition, prayer (c) sought transfer of the Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
s share of a property at Wailekutu, Lami.
\par 
\par The following May, for reasons which are not known, the Resident Magistrate adjourned to 26 June }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
for settlement of matrimonial property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 .
\par 
\par On 26 June the Resident Magistrate made the following note on the file:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 property order both parties (2 undivided share)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par This is the husband}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
s appeal against the order transferring his share in the property at Wailekutu to the wife.\~ In his letter of appeal dated 18 May 2001 (page 7 of the record) the husband states that he misplaced the date of the hearing.\~ He see
ks to have his half share in the property held in trust for the children of the marriage until they reach }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 a mature age}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 .
\par 
\par Just prior to the hearing of the appeal on 13 November a document headed }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 Respondent}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 s submissions}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  and signed by the Respondent in person was filed.\~ The submissions asked for the appeal to be dismissed on the ground that the Resident Magistrate was wrong to grant the 
Appellant leave to appeal out of time.\~ Ratu Joni relied entirely on these submissions however no cross-appeal by the wife is on the file.
\par 
\par Perusal of the record of the proceedings in the Magistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
 Court reveals what I find to be an alarming state of affairs which I hope is not typical.
\par 
\par Proceedings for divorce in the Magistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  Courts are governed by the Matrimoni
al Causes Act (Cap. 51) and the Rules thereto.
\par 
\par Under {\*\bkmkstart s56_Matrimonial_Ivan_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia}Section 56 {\*\bkmkend s56_Matrimonial_Ivan_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia}of the Act a Court may pronounce a decree of divorce if }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 satisfied of the existence of any ground in respect of which relief is sought.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par 
\par Under {\*\bkmkstart s93_Matrimonial_Ivan_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia}Section 93 {\*\bkmkend s93_Matrimonial_Ivan_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia}of the Act }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 a matter of fact shall be taken to be proved if it is established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Court}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 .
\par 
\par Under Section {\*\bkmkstart s86_1_Matrimonial_I_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia}86(1) {\*\bkmkend s86_1_Matrimonial_I_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia}the Court is given power to make such property adjustment orders as it considers }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 just and equitable in the circumstances of the case}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 .
\par 
\par Under {\*\bkmkstart s58_Matrimonial_Ivan_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia}Section 58 {\*\bkmkend s58_Matrimonial_Ivan_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia}
a decree nisi shall not become absolute until a certificate of satisfaction in relation to the children of the family (or a Section 58(1)(b)(ii) certificate) has been granted.
\par 
\par By {\*\bkmkstart r21_1_Matrimonial_I_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia}Rule 21(1){\*\bkmkend r21_1_Matrimonial_I_Gibson_v_S_Nakacia} a Resident Magistrate hearing a petition for divorce or an application of ancillary relief must place on the file:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518\charrsid13894518 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 a minute of the Judgment ... being a minute setting o
ut the matters for determination in the cause, the decision on those matters and the reasons for the decision ...}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par In the present case, as is apparent from his judgment, the Resident Magistrate dissolved the marriage merely because the Petitioner had asked for dissolution and the Respondent had failed to file an answer.\~ That was the wrong approach.\~
 Whether or not an Answer is filed the Resident Magistrate is required by Sections 56 and 93 to ask himself whether he is satisfied that the Petitioner has proved the existence of a ground for divorce.\~ This was not done.
\par 
\par The Resident Magistrate did not comply with Section 58, a serious omission in view of the ages of the children and the matters set out in paragraphs 6 (I) and 6 (iii) of the Petition.
\par 
\par The Resident Magistrate heard no evidence at all relating to the property at Wailekutu.\~ He therefore had no material upon which to base a decision, as required by Section 86(1) that the transfer of the husband}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 s one half share to the wife was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 just and equitable in the circumstances of the case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 .\~ No judgment containing the reasons for ordering the transfer of the property was placed on the file.
\par 
\par The appeal against the property adjustment order must be allowed.\~ This aspect of the Petitioner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
s case is to be remitted to the Magistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13894518 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518  Court for retrial before another Resident Magistrate.\~
 Resident Magistrates must remember that property adjustment orders are orders of utmost seriousness having far reaching consequences.\~ They must not be made without the fullest enquiry.\~
 Such an enquiry will typically include examination of the parties means and needs, the needs of any children of the family, the history of the acquisition of the property and whether the parties are possessed of any other properties which s
hould be taken into account.\~ Failure to adhere to this general approach will lead to property adjustment orders being wrongly decided and set aside on appeal.
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 Appeal granted.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6713380\charrsid13894518 Alesi Macedru}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid13894518 
\par }}