Despite family law Rules of Court that call for the “just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of a family law case on its merits”, there always seem to be those cases that take on the qualities of “scorched earth” litigation. Oliverio v. Oliverio 2017 BCSC 1704 appears to be one of those cases.

The application heard by Master Muir sought orders imputing income, determining the quantum of child and spousal support, and the sale of the family home. Other orders sought in the Notice of Application had been resolved or adjourned by the parties. Nonetheless, the application took more than a day-and-a-half of court time over three separate dates.

What was equally remarkable was the two boxes of materials presented to the court containing 160 affidavits, with 26 affidavits filed by the respondent wife and 15 filed by the claimant husband in respect of the orders sought. Master Muir described this…