Beckstead & Beckstead (No 2)

In the matter of *Beckstead & Beckstead (No 2)*, Harland J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia made orders concerning costs following an application filed by the husband on 12 August 2020. The proceedings involved Mr Beckstead as the applicant and Ms Beckstead as the respondent.

The court was required to determine the quantum and basis of costs payable by the husband to the wife in response to the husband's application. Additionally, the court considered whether it was reasonable for the parties and Ms B to engage Senior Counsel for the application.

Harland J ordered that the husband pay the wife's costs of responding to the application on an indemnity basis. The court further certified that it was reasonable for the parties and Ms B to engage Senior Counsel for the application. Provisions were made for the agreement or taxation of these costs, including specific timelines for the filing of costs accounts and objections, and a listing before the costs registrar if agreement could not be reached. The court also noted the provisions of section 121 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) regarding the publication of proceedings.