Cook and Cook (No 4)

In *Cook and Cook (No 4)*, Young J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application for costs by third parties following the issuance of subpoenas by the wife. The dispute concerned the quantum of costs payable by the wife to the solicitors for the third parties, which had been fixed at $4,450 plus GST.

The primary legal issue before the court was to determine the appropriate orders regarding the payment of these costs, including any applicable interest and the certification of the need for senior counsel.

Young J ordered that the wife pay the fixed costs of $4,450 plus GST to the solicitors for the third parties within 180 days, interest-free for that period. In the event of default in payment within the specified timeframe, the wife was to pay interest at the rate prescribed by the Family Law Rules until the full amount of costs was paid. Furthermore, the court certified that the matter reasonably required the attendance of Senior Counsel for both the husband and wife, and counsel appearing as solicitor for the third parties, pursuant to Rule 19.50 of the Family Law Rules.