Which of the following factors does the court NOT consider when determining costs?

In determining costs, the court typically focuses on the outcome of the case, the conduct of the parties during the proceedings, and the adequacy of the evidence presented. These factors provide insight into how the case was argued, the behavior of the parties involved, and the strength of the evidence supporting each side's claims.

The outcome of the case is crucial because it ultimately decides which party will be liable for costs and reflects the success or failure of their arguments. The conduct of the parties can also influence the court’s decision regarding costs, especially if one party engaged in unreasonable behavior that prolonged the proceedings or lacked good faith. Similarly, the adequacy of the evidence relates directly to how effectively each party was able to support their position, which can affect the outcome and subsequently the costs incurred.

The personal finances of the parties, however, are not generally considered by the court when determining costs in civil proceedings. Courts typically do not take into account a party's financial situation unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as an application for a costs order that significantly impacts a party's ability to pay. Therefore, it is this factor that does not influence the court’s considerations around the awarding of costs.