WONG CHING YI (suing by her lawful attorney COLIN WONG) v. YUEN KWOK HEI

HCA 2115/2024

[2025] HKCFI 4326

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

ACTION NO 2115 OF 2024

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DECISION ON COSTS

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1.  By summons of 14 July 2025, the plaintiff sought to withdraw her Notice of Appeal of 13 June 2025 against the Order made by Master Adrian Wong dated 30 May 2025. That summons has been disposed of by consent. The only outstanding matter is the assessment of the costs which the plaintiff has to bear.

2.  I have considered the defendant’s Statement of Costs of 6 August 2025 and the plaintiff’s List of Objections of 13 August 2025.

3.  The plaintiff’s objection against the defendant having engaged 2 solicitors is of no consequence, as the defendant has confirmed that only 1 fee earner’s costs is claimed for each task.

4.  I note the defendant’s submissions on the relationship between the proceedings in Scotland and the withdrawn appeal.  I am of the view that the defendant is entitled to claim costs incurred on attendance on Scottish lawyers.

5.  I am of the view that it is reasonable for the defendant to engage counsel upon the plaintiff’s issue of the Notice of Appeal. 

6.  The plaintiff’s suggestion to vacate the summons came only on 25 July 2025.  The defendant’s claim for 1.3 hours of preparation is reasonable.

7.  Adopting a broad brush approach, I summarily assess the costs which the plaintiff has to bear at HK$50,000.