L. Settanni

The applicant sought costs following a successful family law trial where the court terminated the respondent's access to the children and awarded retroactive child support.

The respondent failed to file written costs submissions despite being granted extensions.

The court found that while the respondent's desire to pursue access did not warrant full recovery costs, his unreasonable conduct, including denying criminal convictions and failing to produce financial disclosure, lengthened the trial.

The court awarded the applicant costs fixed at $14,000.

The applicant mother sought sole custody, no access, a restraining order, and child support following a separation triggered by the respondent father's arrest for domestic assault.

The respondent sought regular access and opposed child support.

The court found the respondent had a history of domestic violence, drug abuse, and criminal breaches, and that the children feared him and did not wish to see him.

The court ordered no access, issued a restraining order, and ordered retroactive and ongoing child support based on imputed income.