J.R. Belleghem

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.

The applicant mother and respondent father separated after a short relationship, with the mother maintaining primary care of their young son.

The mother sought sole custody, while the father sought joint custody.

The court found that the parties had a high-conflict relationship characterized by poor communication, largely driven by the father's rigid and uncooperative behaviour.

Applying the principles from Kaplanis, the court concluded that joint custody was unworkable and awarded sole custody to the mother to ensure stability and effective decision-making for the child.