A costs decision following a trial on child support, spousal support, and ancillary matters.
The applicant sought full recovery of costs of $65,774.81 plus $4,143.00 for costs submissions.
The respondent opposed, arguing limited financial means and that the applicant's counsel inflated costs.
The court found the applicant was the successful party, had served a reasonable offer to settle that was not accepted, and that the respondent acted unreasonably throughout the proceedings, including failing to pay temporary spousal support, providing late disclosure, fabricating evidence, and intentionally underemploying himself.
However, the court reduced the costs award to $35,000.00 as the claimed costs were excessive, while still recognizing the need to control the court process and sanction unreasonable litigation conduct.
