She has custody of the parties' six year old child which restricts her working ability. She has not worked regularly since 1986. Plaintiff says the real estate she received as part of the divorce exceeds in value the real estate he received. In addition, her real estate has rental income. No proof was offered on the property values or any income received.
Defendant says plaintiff has paid nothing.
Based on past history, plaintiff would normally be required to contribute to defendant's attorney fees. However, the parties are now in relatively equal positions. In such situations, it is not unusual for each party to pay their own fees. In addition, plaintiff will have responsibility for the tax lien. Based on all the equities, the background and history of the case, due to the large amount of support plaintiff will be paying and the large amount of debt he will be undertaking, defendant should pay her own attorney fees.