This decision addresses the costs of the September 2022 trial on financial issues in a family law matter.
The Applicant, Jennifer DeGiorgio, sought $54,140 in costs, while the Respondent, Nicola DeGiorgio, sought $20,000.
The court found Jennifer to be the more successful party at trial, particularly regarding spousal support entitlement and child support arrears.
The court considered the parties' offers to settle and Nicola's unreasonable behaviour concerning financial disclosure and pre-trial spousal support payments.
While finding counsel's rates reasonable, the court reduced the claimed hours due to excessiveness and overlap with other issues.
Ultimately, the court ordered the Respondent to pay the Applicant $45,000 in costs, inclusive of disbursements and HST.