Legal Definitions - dives costs

Definition: Dives costs (dI-veez), n. Ordinary court costs granted to a successful party, as distinguished from limited costs (such as out-of-pocket costs) allowed to a successful pauper who sued or defended in forma pauperis. The term derives from the name of Dives, the supposed name of the rich man in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). Dives is a Latin word meaning “rich.”

Example: John sued his neighbor for damages to his property and won the case. The court granted him dives costs, which included the fees for filing the lawsuit, serving the papers, and other expenses related to the trial.

Explanation: Dives costs are the regular court costs that a successful party is entitled to receive after winning a case. These costs are different from limited costs, which are given to a successful pauper who sued or defended in forma pauperis. The term "dives" comes from the name of the rich man in the Bible story, who represents wealth and prosperity.