Lao and Lao

The parties in this matter were husband and wife, and the dispute concerned property proceedings. The decision was made by Foster J in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

The primary legal issue before the court was the assessment of costs in relation to completed property proceedings between the parties.

Foster J ordered that the husband pay to the wife 25 per cent of her costs on a party/party basis. These costs were to be in respect of and incidental to the completed property proceedings. The sum was to be agreed between the parties within one month of the date of the order, or otherwise assessed.