Renard Patrick

The mother brought a motion requesting that a previous costs order of $12,430 be defined as support so it could be enforced by the Family Responsibility Office.

The court dismissed the motion, noting that its authority to direct legal fees to be enforced by FRO is limited to costs awards arising out of support decisions.

Because the underlying trial dealt exclusively with parenting issues and a restraining order, the court had no authority to grant the requested relief, though it outlined other enforcement options available to the mother.

Following a trial regarding parenting arrangements and a restraining order, both parties sought costs.

The court found the mother to be the more successful party overall, despite divided success on some issues.

However, the court found the mother acted in bad faith by deliberately withholding videotape evidence that contradicted her claims, which significantly reduced her costs entitlement.

The father's request for costs personally against the mother's counsel was dismissed, as counsel's actions amounted to poor judgment rather than deliberate obstruction.

The father was ordered to pay the mother's costs fixed at $12,430.