This is a costs ruling arising from a family law trial decision released on May 5, 2025.
The principal trial issues involved determination of the valuation date and property ownership, including equalization of the spouses' net family properties.
Neither party's choice of valuation date was accepted; the court determined a different valuation date (August 3, 2013) for which there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a full trial.
The applicant sought partial recovery costs of at least $375,000, while the respondent sought the same amount or alternatively that no costs be awarded.
The court found the applicant achieved partial success on the valuation date and limitation period extension, while the respondent achieved no success and acted in bad faith.
The court awarded costs to the applicant but at a significantly reduced amount due to inefficiencies in the litigation strategy and reliance on an invalid agreement.
