Ford v Ford [1947] HCA 7

Ford v Ford [1947] HCA 7

A decree dismissing a petition for judicial separation does not affect the status of a person under the laws relating to marriage or divorce; thus, an appeal as of right does not lie to the High Court under s. 35(1)(a)(3) of the Judiciary Act 1903-1946.

Parties
Appellant/petitioner: Agnes Irvine Ford; Respondent: Morgan Ford
Jurisdiction
Australia
Procedural Posture
Appeal / High Court of Australia – Appeal From the Supreme Court of New South Wales (full Court)
Outcome
Appeal dismissed for want of jurisdiction.
Legal Topics
Judicial Separation, Status Under Matrimonial Law, Appeal as of Right, Jurisdiction of High Court

Case Brief

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Parties

Agnes Irvine Ford

Appellant/petitioner

Morgan Ford

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / High Court of Australia – Appeal From the Supreme Court of New South Wales (full Court)

  1. 1 Whether a decree dismissing a petition for judicial separation is a judgment which 'affects the status' of a person under the laws relating to marriage or divorce within the meaning of s. 35(1)(a)(3) of the Judiciary Act 1903-1946; whether an appeal as of right lies to the High Court from such a decree.

Ratio Decidendi

A decree dismissing a petition for judicial separation does not affect the status of a person under the laws relating to marriage or divorce; thus, an appeal as of right does not lie to the High Court under s. 35(1)(a)(3) of the Judiciary Act 1903-1946.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed for want of jurisdiction.

Orders

  • Appeal dismissed for want of jurisdiction.
  • Application for special leave to appeal refused.