A guarantee provided as a condition of a loan for the acquisition of property constitutes a relevant indirect financial contribution under s 20(1)(a) of the Property (Relationships) Act 1984, notwithstanding that the guarantee was never called upon. The holistic approach to property adjustment under s 20 does not relieve the court of the obligation to identify and evaluate the parties' financial contributions to the acquisition, conservation and improvement of property. Disparity in asset backing at the commencement of a de facto relationship is a relevant factor in assessing contributions where that financial strength facilitated the acquisition of property during the relationship.
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