This is a costs endorsement following a trial concerning parenting and support arrangements for the parties' child.
The applicant (mother) sought costs of $8,503.
The court reviewed the general principles of costs, including the four fundamental purposes (indemnity, settlement encouragement, discouraging inappropriate behaviour, and ensuring justice), the concept of success, and the impact of offers to settle under Family Law Rule 18(14).
The mother was found to be overwhelmingly successful at trial, and her conduct was deemed reasonable.
The respondent (father) acted unreasonably, failed to provide timely financial disclosure, and took unrealistic positions, leading to previous costs orders against him.
Although the mother's offer to settle was reasonable, it did not strictly meet the conditions for enhanced costs under Rule 18(14).
Considering all factors, including the father's unreasonable conduct and ability to pay, the court ordered the father to pay the mother $7,200 in costs.
