Opinion ID: 2639205
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Timing of motion for attorney's fees

Text: Boyles also argues that the trial court should not have awarded Fleegel attorney's fees under AS 09.60.070, the crime victims' statute, because a motion for these fees was not filed within ten days after the date of judgment. Civil Rule 82(c) establishes the time period in which attorney's fees must be requested: Failure to move for attorney's fees within 10 days, or such additional time as the court may allow, shall be construed as a waiver of the party's right to recover attorney's fees. The initial judgment order was distributed on January 29, 1999. On May 14, 1999, Fleegel filed a motion requesting that the superior court vacate the initial judgment and enter a new judgment that conformed with AS 09.60.070, the crime victims' statute. Fleegel sought relief under Alaska Civil Rule 60(b), which permits the court to relieve a party from a judgment for reasons of mistake, inadvertence, or excusable neglect where a motion seeking such relief is filed within a reasonable time. [49] The superior court granted the motion for relief from judgment on June 14, 1999, finding that such relief served the interests of justice. [50] Because Fleegel sought relief from judgment under Civil Rule 60(b), rather than attorney's fees under Civil Rule 82(c), the limitations period for Civil Rule 82(c) does not apply. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in determining that Fleegel did not waive her request for attorney's fees. [51] We therefore affirm the attorney's fee award on its merits.