The court determined costs following a 14-day trial where the applicant was substantially successful on custody and access.
The applicant sought costs, and the respondent, self-represented, opposed.
The court applied Rule 24 of the Family Law Rules, considering the purposes of costs, the parties' behaviour, offers to settle, and legal fees.
While the applicant was largely successful and served an offer to settle, her behaviour was found to be provocative and antagonistic, leading to a 25% reduction in her awarded costs.
The respondent's behaviour was also criticized, but less severely.
The court assessed legal fees and disbursements, ultimately ordering the respondent to pay the applicant $54,594.82 in total costs and disbursements.