Source: http://www.aeschlemanlaw.com/attorneys-fees/
Timestamp: 2019-11-12 19:19:03
Document Index: 632273504

Matched Legal Cases: ['§2030', '§2030', '§2030', '§2030', '§271', '§271', '§1101']

Attorneys’ Fees -
One important aspect for any party involved in a family law case to consider is attorney’s fees and costs. Often, paying attorney’s fees can be a source of anxiety and strain, especially during a time of financial strain. However, not having an attorney to ensure that your rights are protected may result in significant financial and legal consequences. Accordingly, finding an attorney with experience and the ability to meet your needs is critical. Therefore, the question often becomes, “How do I pay my attorney?”
1. You may use funds from your checking, savings, brokerage or other financial accounts.
2. You may use a credit card.
3. You may borrow money from friends and/or family.
4. In some circumstances, the Court may order the opposing party to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
5. You may encumber your one-half interest in community real property to pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs in order to retain or maintain legal counsel throughout your family law case. This is what is referred to as the Family Law Attorney’s Real Property Lien (FLARPL).
Attorney’s Fees and Costs Awards:
Family Code §2030 Fees:
Under Family Code §2030, the Court has discretion to order one party to pay another party’s reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. Family Code §2030 applies to cases of dissolution of marriage, nullity of marriage, or legal separation of the parties
At Aeschleman Law, we are able to help our clients obtain the reasonable attorney’s fees they are entitled to under Family Code §2030. We are also experienced in defending our clients against fee requests, and namely to argue against an order for unreasonable attorney’s fees to the opposing party. Therefore, no matter your financial position in the case, Aeschleman Law will work on your behalf to assure your legal and financial interests are protected.
Family Code §271 Sanctions/Attorney’s Fees:
A common theme and goal throughout family law cases is the promotion of settlement. The California Legislature as well as California Courts are determined to support and incentivize parties and their attorneys to settle cases when appropriate. To do this, the Court has authority to order sanctions against a party and award attorney’s fees and costs to the opposing party when uncooperative and inappropriate conduct ensues. Specifically, Family Code §271 states, “the court may base an award of attorney’s fees and costs on the extent to which the conduct of each party or attorney furthers or frustrates the policy of the law to promote settlement of litigation and, where possible, to reduce the costs of litigation by encouraging cooperation between the parties and attorneys.” Hence, where a party or a party’s attorney engages in behavior that is uncooperative or inappropriate, the Court may order that party to pay the opposing party’s attorney’s fees and costs. A party subject to these monetary sanctions must not be placed under an unreasonable financial burden.
At Aeschleman Law, we balance strong advocacy with the upmost professionalism to ensure that your rights are protected.
CRC. 5.14 Sanctions/Attorney’s Fees for Violation of Rules of Court in Family Law Cases:
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Attorney’s Fees And Costs:
At Aeschleman Law, we have significant experience with Breach of Fiduciary Duty Cases.
Each spouse in a marriage or domestic partnership owes a fiduciary duty to the other spouse. Under Family Code §1101, a spouse has a fiduciary duty claim against the other spouse, when the breaching spouse impairs- fails to disclose, hides, encumbers, transfers, or disposes of the asset(s) without the permission of the other spouse- their undivided one-half interest in community property.
Dissimilarly, when the breach does not rise to the level of fraud, oppression, or malice, the Court may award attorney’s fees and costs to the nonbreaching party; it is not mandatory. Once again, an attorney’s fees and costs award is subject to the breaching party’s ability to pay.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty claims are serious, often exposing parties in a Family Law case to serious liability, including paying the aggrieved spouse’s attorney’s fees and costs. At Aeschleman Law, we have can navigate you through the legally complex area of breach of fiduciary duty issues. If you know or believe your case involves a breach of fiduciary duty cause of action, contact Aeschleman Law to understand your rights and take action to protect your interests.
The Family Law Attorneys Real Property Lien (FLARPL):
Under Family Code 1102(a), a party in a family law case may encumber his/her one-half interest in community real property to pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs in order or to retain or maintain legal counsel throughout their family law case. A party may do this unilaterally, but it is only effective up to their one-half community interest in the real property. Notice must be given to the other party.
In some circumstances, especially where a party lacks the financial resources to pay his/her attorney’s fees or where the party does not have access to their interest in community assets, an attorney may be willing to perform services if a Family Law Attorney’s Real Property Lien (FLARPL) is recorded. The FLARPL gives the family law attorney a lien against your community interests in real property, which essentially acts as collateral until your attorney’s fees and costs are paid in full. A FLARPL often appears intimidating, but under the proper circumstances and after consultation with an attorney, a FLARPL may be a viable and appropriate option.