The court awarded reduced costs of $20,000 plus disbursements to the successful respondents, finding their claimed fees excessive.
The court determined costs following its decision that the applicant, A.R., lacked standing to seek access to her adopted child.
The respondents, M.B. and E.B., sought substantial indemnity costs.
The court considered the factors under Rule 24(11) of the Family Law Rules, including the importance and complexity of issues, parties' behaviour, counsel rates, time spent, and the applicant's limited financial means.
The court found the case not overly complex, noted some unreasonableness in the applicant's conduct, and deemed the respondents' claimed hours excessive.
It disallowed certain disbursements and ultimately awarded the respondents $20,000 for fees plus HST, and $611.22 for disbursements plus HST, significantly less than the amount sought.
