Godwin Oware

This is a costs endorsement following a trial on multiple family law issues including parenting, custody, child support, and a restraining order request.

The applicant (father) sought costs of $11,684.61, while the respondent (mother) sought no costs award.

The court found the father was the successful party based on the trial outcome and settlement offers made.

The court awarded costs of $5,000 inclusive of fees, disbursements, and HST, payable at $100 per month commencing January 1, 2018, with acceleration provisions for non-payment.

The Durham Children's Aid Society brought a motion within a status review application to place three children in its temporary care and custody.

The children had previously been found in need of protection and placed under a supervision order with their parents, which was subsequently breached due to the mother's mental health crisis and the parents' and maternal grandfather's failure to report changes or comply with conditions.

The court considered the children's best interests under subsection 64(8) and 37(3) of the Child and Family Services Act, finding that the existing supervision order was insufficient and there was a continuing risk of harm if the children returned to parental care.

The court explicitly disagreed with the necessity of proving a material change in circumstances for temporary orders in child protection proceedings, emphasizing the fluid nature of such cases.

The motion was granted, placing the children in the Society's temporary care.