Sora and Mikan

In the matter of Sora and Mikan, Justice Fowler of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia was required to determine the quantum of costs to be paid by the father to the mother in relation to proceedings between them. The specific dispute concerned the finalisation of costs orders following earlier proceedings.

The central legal issue before the Court was the appropriate amount to be awarded as costs to the mother, and the terms upon which the father should discharge this liability. The Court also considered whether any further costs orders were warranted in relation to the application for costs itself.

Justice Fowler ordered that the father pay the mother's costs fixed at $50,000. These costs were to be paid by way of weekly instalments of $300, commencing one week from the date of the order. The Court further stipulated that if the father fell into arrears exceeding three months in his payments, the entire outstanding balance would immediately become due and payable upon notice from the mother's solicitors. No further orders for costs were made concerning the proceedings for the costs order.