Respondent represented by his guardian by order of Maddalena J.

Following a family law trial where the applicant obtained custody, child support, and equalization and the respondent’s claim for spousal support was denied, the court determined the issue of costs.

The applicant sought costs exceeding $40,000 while the self-represented respondent requested reimbursement for legal fees previously incurred with former counsel.

The court found the applicant was unequivocally successful and had achieved a result better than her offer to settle.

The respondent’s failure to provide prompt disclosure and litigation conduct through his guardian contributed to increased costs.

The court awarded costs to the applicant on a partial indemnity basis up to the offer to settle and substantial indemnity thereafter.

Following the breakdown of a long-term marriage, the court determined issues of custody, child support, equalization of net family property, and a claim for spousal support.

The applicant sought custody, child support, and equalization, while the respondent sought spousal support and contested access arrangements.

The court accepted the applicant’s uncontested evidence on net family property and ordered the respondent to transfer funds from his pension to equalize property.

Child support and extraordinary expenses were ordered based on the respondent’s disability income, and custody of the minor child was granted to the applicant with access left to the applicant’s discretion.

The respondent’s claim for spousal support was dismissed as he was not disadvantaged by the marriage or its breakdown.