Court or Tribunal: Family Court of Western Australia
Catchwords: De Facto Relationships, Substantial Relationship
Judges:  CRISFORD J

Background: Ms Shelley, a registered nurse, moved into Dr Markhov's unit as his tenant in 1995, a few years after they had met. Over the years the pair bought properties and resided in them together as landlord and tenant. At times they lived on their own, but for the majority of the 14 years, they shared a house and maintained a regular sexual relationship. Ms Shelley claimed over that time the pair were in a "committed and marriage-like" relationship and slept together "every night". Dr Markhov however admitted that they had regular sex, but denied that they were in a "marriage-like" relationship. Dr Markhov claimed that over that time period he was actively looking for a life-partner who was "culturally compatible" to him, on dating websites and had even went overseas to meet women. 
 
  [Legal Issue]The court was asked to define the relationship as part of a property dispute between the Dr Markhov and Ms Shelley, who were housemates and had regular sex for 14 years, but otherwise disputed the precise nature of their relationship. The application was lodged in the WA Family Court a few months before Dr Markhov married another woman in 2009.   [Court Orders]In handing down her decision, Judge Crisford said while she found some of Dr Markhov’s attitudes “dishonourable”, she was not satisfied there was a marriage-like relationship. He never intended to have a long-term relationship with her, she said. Judge Crisford said Ms Shelley benefited from the arrangement in much the same way and disputed her claims of an exclusive, marriage-like relationship.     

Court or Tribunal: Family Court of Western Australia
Catchwords: Children, Communication
Judges:  CRISFORD J

Background:  
 
  [Legal Issue]   [Court Orders]     

Court or Tribunal: Family Court of Western Australia
Catchwords: International Relocation, Relocation
Judges:  Crooks J

Background:  
 
  [Legal Issue]   [Court Orders]     

Court or Tribunal: Family Court of Western Australia
Catchwords: International Relocation, Meaningful Relationship, Relocation
Judges:  CRISFORD J

Background:  
 
  [Legal Issue]   [Court Orders]The child is to reside with the mother and she is permitted to live in the United Kingdom with the child commencing January 2010.     

Court or Tribunal: Family Court of Western Australia
Catchwords: Inheritance, Property, Property Settlement
Judges:  Thackray CJ

Background:  
 
  [Legal Issue]   [Court Orders]