Following settlement of all parenting issues during a contested custody trial, the court determined costs.
The applicant mother had offered settlement terms largely consistent with the ultimate resolution, including sole decision‑making authority, while the respondent father pursued joint custody despite significant conflict and concerns identified in a s. 30 assessment.
The court found the applicant was more successful overall and criticized aspects of the respondent’s litigation conduct, including unilateral and intimidating behaviour and trial strategies that prolonged proceedings.
Applying Rule 24 of the Family Law Rules and considering proportionality and ability to pay, the court awarded partial indemnity costs to the applicant.