GREENWOOD & GREENWOOD

In *Greenwood & Greenwood*, the wife brought proceedings seeking discovery and spousal maintenance against the husband. She subsequently withdrew these proceedings after closing her case. The matter came before Cronin J in the Family Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine the wife's application for costs and the husband's entitlement to costs, particularly in light of the wife's withdrawal of her substantive applications. The court also considered concerns regarding the proportionality of costs in litigation and the professional conduct of legal practitioners, including allegations made against another practitioner and the role of a law clerk in managing the file.

Cronin J ordered that the wife pay the husband's costs, to be assessed by the Registrar if not agreed by a specified date. The wife's own application for costs was dismissed. The court's decision reflects the general principle that a party who withdraws proceedings may be liable for the costs incurred by the other party. The broader comments on proportionality and professional conduct indicate the court's awareness of wider issues within family law litigation.