Michael George Forbes v Robert Kidd [2026] DIFC CFI 081 (29 January 2026)

Michael George Forbes v Robert Kidd [2026] DIFC CFI 081 (29 January 2026)

The costs claimed by the Claimant were excessive in light of the work involved, particularly regarding counsel fees and preparation of the Statement of Costs. The late filing of the Statement of Costs did not cause prejudice and was not a valid ground to disallow costs. The reasonable and proportionate costs were assessed at USD 17,000.

Citation
[2026] DIFC CFI 081
Parties
Claimant: Michael George Forbes; Defendant: Robert Kidd
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Judgment Date
29 January 2026
Procedural Posture
Costs Assessment / Post Judgment, Assessment of Costs Following Dismissal of Appeal Applications
Outcome
Costs assessed in favour of the Claimant at USD 17,000, payable by the Defendant.
Legal Topics
Costs Assessment, Permission to Appeal, Late Filing, Proportionality of Costs
Civil Procedure Costs Assessment Permission to Appeal Late Filing Proportionality of Costs

Case Brief

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Parties

Michael George Forbes

Claimant

Robert Kidd

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Costs Assessment / Post Judgment, Assessment of Costs Following Dismissal of Appeal Applications

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the costs claimed by the Claimant are reasonable and proportionate
  2. 2 Whether the late filing of the Statement of Costs should bar recovery
  3. 3 Whether specific components of the claimed costs are excessive

Ratio Decidendi

The costs claimed by the Claimant were excessive in light of the work involved, particularly regarding counsel fees and preparation of the Statement of Costs. The late filing of the Statement of Costs did not cause prejudice and was not a valid ground to disallow costs. The reasonable and proportionate costs were assessed at USD 17,000.

Court Disposition

Costs assessed in favour of the Claimant at USD 17,000, payable by the Defendant.

Orders

  • Defendant to pay Claimant USD 17,000 in costs.