Spencer and Speight (No 2)

In *Spencer and Speight (No 2)*, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application for costs following substantive proceedings between Ms Speight and Mr Spencer.

The central legal issue before the Court was the quantum of costs to be awarded, specifically whether the costs should be limited to a certain amount and whether it was reasonable to engage counsel for the proceedings.

Benjamin J ordered that Ms Speight pay Mr Spencer's costs and disbursements for both the substantive proceedings and the costs application. These costs were to be agreed between the parties or, failing agreement, assessed in accordance with the Family Law Rules 2004 on a party/party basis. The Court further ordered that the total costs payable by Ms Speight should not exceed $31,125.41. Crucially, pursuant to Rule 19.50 of the Family Law Rules 2004, the Court certified that it was reasonable to engage counsel to attend the proceedings.