A costs endorsement in a high-conflict custody and relocation case.
The respondent father sought full recovery of costs in the amount of $24,786.07 following a comprehensive settlement reached by the parties.
The applicant mother opposed the costs claim, arguing that no costs should be awarded where parties have settled and that the respondent's unreasonable behaviour, including unlawful withholding of the child, disentitled him to costs.
The court found no compelling reasons to award costs to either party, noting that the parties had compromised to reach settlement, the respondent had behaved unreasonably throughout the proceedings, and a substantial costs award would create financial hardship for the custodial parent and jeopardize child support payments.
