30 Jan 2024
The court exercised its discretion having regard to the benefit to the child, the significant wealth disparity, the conduct of both parties which increased costs, unnecessary expenditure and prior legal payments; it ordered the father to pay 60% of the mother's costs, with the $2,210,000 already paid to be taken into account, costs to be summarily assessed.
17 Nov 2016
There were unusual circumstances: the petitioner pursued a case that became hopeless after material expert evidence (Dr Levy) and, despite being legally represented, failed to moderate her stance for three months before giving evidence, causing significant costs; both parties were effectively insolvent so disparity of wealth did not preclude an award; therefore the costs order nisi should be varied and the petitioner ordered to pay half the respondent's costs of the specified children applications, taxed if not agreed, with the remaining half no order and the petitioner's legal aid costs taxe…