A. Pascuzzi

Following a six-day trial regarding property ownership, the applicant sought costs of $44,227.35.

The court found the applicant was the successful party, having obtained half the property as requested.

The applicant's offer to settle was more favourable than the trial outcome, entitling him to full recovery of costs from the date of the offer under Rule 18(14) of the Family Law Rules.

While the respondent's conduct was unreasonable, it did not meet the high threshold for bad faith.

The court fixed costs payable to the applicant at $37,500 inclusive of HST and disbursements.

Following a 17-year marriage, the parties engaged in high-conflict litigation primarily driven by the mother's unreasonable expectations and alienation of the children from the father.

The court determined the date of separation and resolved outstanding financial issues, including child support, spousal support, equalization, and a trust claim.

The father was ordered to pay table child support, while the mother, who earned significantly more, was ordered to pay non-compensatory spousal support based on the Custodial Payor model of the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines.

The mother's claim for an equitable trust interest in the matrimonial home was dismissed, and she was ordered to pay an equalization payment of $25,000 to the father.