An hour before the first directions appointment (FDA), the wife filed her Form E and supporting documents, over a month after the court ordered deadline. The lateness meant that the hearing was only partially effective. The matter was listed for an adjourned FDA, instead of a financial dispute resolution appointment. The issue of costs was raised but left to be considered at the following hearing.
On the day of the adjourned FDA, it became clear that the wife had again failed to provide a number of documents on time.
As a result, it was successfully argued on behalf of the husband that the wife should pay half the husband’s wasted costs. This case highlights the importance of ensuring compliance with court deadlines.