Equuscorp Pty Ltd, in the matter of Chang v Chang

In the Federal Court of Australia, Equuscorp Pty Ltd petitioned for an order in the matter of Chang versus Chang. The dispute concerns the estate of a bankrupt, with the petitioner seeking costs from the bankrupt's estate. The petitioner, Equuscorp, sought an order that costs incurred in relation to the bankruptcy proceedings be paid from the bankrupt's estate. The bankrupt, represented by another party, contested the petitioner's claim. The court had to determine whether the petitioner's costs were properly chargeable to the bankrupt's estate and if the petitioner was entitled to recover those costs. The court considered the nature of the costs, the circumstances under which they were incurred, and the statutory provisions governing the recovery of costs from a bankrupt's estate. The court concluded that the petitioner's costs were properly incurred and should be paid from the bankrupt's estate, subject to certain deductions. The court ordered that the petitioner's costs, less those specifically reserved, be paid from the estate. The costs of a particular adjournment were also to be deducted from the amount payable.