Habib and Ibrahim (No. 2)

In *Habib and Ibrahim (No. 2)*, Foster J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia considered an application for costs contributions towards the Independent Children’s Lawyer. The dispute concerned the financial obligations of the father and mother to contribute to these costs.

The primary legal issue before the Court was the quantum of contribution each parent should make towards the costs incurred by the Independent Children’s Lawyer. The Court was required to determine an appropriate and equitable distribution of this financial responsibility between the parties.

Foster J ordered that both the father and the mother were to pay the sum of $7,500.00 to Legal Aid NSW as a contribution to the Independent Children’s Lawyer’s costs within two months of the date of the orders. The Court also noted that the parties retained the ability to apply to Legal Aid NSW for a waiver, in whole or in part, of these payment obligations.