9 Oct 2017
RMJ v BJG [Costs] [2017] NZHC 2470
- Citation
- [2017] NZHC 2470
- Court
- High Court
The Court concluded that but-for the appellant's legal aid status it would have ordered costs against the appellant totalling $48,862.50 because the appeal and related interlocutories were unreasonably pursued and detrimental to the child's welfare; however s45 LSA prevents making an enforceable costs order absent exceptional circumstances and the appellant lacks means, so no enforceable costs were made and instead the Court specified the but-for amount under s45(5); decision on contribution to counsel for the child under s135A COCA was reserved for further submissions.