03/09/2026
📟 A $127 million property settlement: why contribution and valuation both matter
What happens when one spouse’s business interests experience a “stratospheric increase” in value after separation?
In Charis & Charis [2026] FedCFamC1A 92, the husband was a CEO and company co-founder who sought 70% of the asset pool. The Court upheld an equal division. ⚖️
Importantly, the Full Court said the “stratospheric increase” in the company interests could not be attributed solely to the husband. While he continued contributing to financial wealth, the wife continued contributing through child-rearing, having remained the primary carer of their children.
The Court also recognised her contributions as a homemaker and considered the parties’ contributions across the relationship as a whole.
💲 With a pool exceeding $127 million and substantial shares and options involved, the case also illustrates the importance of expert valuation evidence. The parties jointly appointed an expert to value the husband's company interests, whose evidence was ultimately accepted.
Some contributions are visible on a balance sheet. Others are not. Both can be critical to the outcome.
