This decision addresses a costs dispute in a high-conflict family law matter following the settlement of parenting issues.
The Applicant sought substantial costs, alleging the Respondent's late acceptance of an offer to settle constituted bad faith.
The court found the offer was validly accepted and did not trigger costs consequences under Rule 18(14) of the Family Law Rules.
The court declined to make findings of bad faith or unreasonable behaviour based solely on costs submissions, noting the Applicant's subsequent actions were needless.
Ultimately, the court made no order as to costs, balancing the parties' conduct and the purpose of offers to settle.
