Ian J.H. Brown

Following a family law trial where the self-represented wife was largely successful, the court determined the appropriate quantum of costs.

The husband had gone into personal bankruptcy shortly after the formal judgment was taken out.

The court awarded the wife $7,500 for the five-day trial, $6,000 for pre-trial preparation, and $825 in disbursements, noting her professional handling of the case and the husband's failure to provide timely disclosure.

Divorce trial addressing child support for an adult disabled child receiving ODSP benefits, spousal support, equalization of net family property, and post‑separation financial adjustments.

The payor argued that ODSP benefits should eliminate or reduce child support and proposed contributing to an RDSP instead.

The court rejected that position, holding that ODSP benefits do not displace the presumptive child support obligation under the Federal Child Support Guidelines for a disabled adult child who remains a “child of the marriage.” The court imputed part‑time income to the caregiving spouse and fixed mid‑range spousal support after considering the child support obligation and the parties’ respective incomes.

Equalization and multiple post‑separation adjustments were determined, including reimbursement relating to a breach‑of‑trust judgment, company‑paid personal expenses, and other financial adjustments.