When Can the Family Court Order You to Pay Costs?

3 Mar 2026

Courts, Family Law
Charles Noble

Understanding the Court’s Power and How to Protect Yourself

One of the most common assumptions in family law is that everyone pays their own legal costs. While this is often true, it is not absolute. In many circumstances, the Family Court has the power to order one party to pay some or all of the other party’s legal costs and those orders can be significant.

Understanding when costs may be ordered (and how to avoid them) is essential if you are involved in family law proceedings.

The General Rule: Each Party Pays Their Own Costs

Under the Family Law Act, the starting position is simple:

Each party to family law proceedings is responsible for their own legal costs. This reflects the reality that family law matters often involve genuine disputes, emotional complexity, and unequal financial positions. The law recognises that people should generally be able to access the court without fear of automatic cost penalties.

However, this rule is subject to important exceptions.

When Can the Court Order Costs?

The court may depart from the general rule if it believes there are circumstances that justify it. This decision is discretionary, meaning it is not automatic but it must be exercised judicially and fairly.

When deciding whether to make a costs order, the court will consider a range of factors, including:

The financial circumstances of each party
Whether either party is receiving legal aid, and the terms of that assistance
The conduct of the parties during the proceedings, including:

1. How pleadings were prepared
2. Compliance with disclosure obligations
3. Cooperation with court directions
4. Whether documents and information were provided properly and on time

Whether the proceedings were necessary because a party failed to comply with earlier court orders
Whether a party was wholly unsuccessful in their case
Whether reasonable settlement offers were made in writing, and how
those offers compared to the eventual outcome
Any other matters the court considers relevant

In short, the court looks closely at fairness, reasonableness, and conduct.

The Different Types of Costs Orders

If the court does decide to order costs, it can do so in different ways. The most common types are:

Party and Party Costs

These are limited to amounts set out in the court rules and usually cover only the necessary or proper costs required to conduct the case. They rarely reflect the full legal bill.

Solicitor and Client Costs

These costs go further and include expenses the court considers were reasonably incurred and reasonable in amount. They are more substantial than party and party costs.

Indemnity Costs

Indemnity costs are the most serious form of cost order. They cover almost all legal costs incurred, except those the court finds were unreasonable. Importantly, indemnity costs are exceptional and are not ordered lightly.

When Are Indemnity Costs Ordered?

Indemnity Costs Ordered The court may consider ordering indemnity costs where a case has been:

Commenced or continued without reasonable prospects of success
Pursued despite clear legal advice indicating it was unlikely to succeed
Run for an ulterior purpose, such as delay, pressure, or harassment
Conducted in wilful disregard of established law or known facts

These orders are designed to discourage misuse of the court process and unnecessary litigation.

How James Noble Law Can Assist?

At James Noble Law, we take a strategic and practical approach to family law matters, with a strong focus on protecting our clients from unnecessary risk including adverse costs orders.

We can assist by:

Providing early, realistic advice about prospects of success before proceedings begin
Helping you assess settlement options and prepare sensible written offers that may protect you on costs
Ensuring your matter is conducted professionally, efficiently, and in compliance with court rules
Advising when court action is appropriate and when alternative dispute resolution may achieve a better outcome
Representing you with a focus on proportionality, strategy, and cost effectiveness

Our mediation-first and resolution-focused approach often helps clients avoid costly litigation altogether, while still protecting their legal rights.

While family law usually follows the rule that each party pays their own costs, poor conduct, unreasonable positions, or unnecessary litigation can change that quickly. Understanding how costs orders work and getting the right advice early can make a significant difference to both your outcome and your financial position.

If you are involved in a family law dispute or considering court proceedings, speaking with an experienced family law team can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

James Noble Law is here to guide you through your options and help you resolve your matter in a way that is practical, fair, and cost-effective. Contact us on 07 2112 3947 or book directly on our website at www.jamesnoblelaw.com.au

Need assistance? Contact James Noble Law today for a FREE 20-minute consultation and schedule a meeting with one of our qualified and experienced family lawyers in Brisbane.

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