This decision concerns the costs of a two-day family law trial.
The applicant mother sought costs of $11,769.90, while the respondent father disputed this and sought $13,392.
The court found the mother to be the successful party, as many issues were resolved in her favour or aligned with her initial offers.
The father's conduct, including attempting to raise new claims at trial and making a late, unreasonable offer, was deemed unreasonable.
The court emphasized that costs serve to indemnify successful litigants, encourage settlement, and discourage inappropriate behaviour.
The father was ordered to pay the mother $11,769.90 in costs.
