Opinion ID: 1518376
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Motion for Attorney's Fees and Costs

Text: We now turn to the trial court's denial of Cobert's motion for attorney's fees and costs, [7] filed pursuant to D.C.Code § 16-553 (2001). Because this is a question of law, our standard of review is de novo. Heard v. Johnson, 810 A.2d 871, 878 (D.C.2002). The statute in question provides as follows: If a garnishee answers to interrogatories that he does not have property or credits of the defendant, or has less than the amount of the plaintiff's judgment, the plaintiff may traverse the answer as to the existence or amount of the property or credits, and the issue thereby made may be tried as provided by section 16-551. In such a case, where judgment is rendered for the garnishee, the plaintiff shall be adjudged to pay to the garnishee, in addition to the taxed costs, a reasonable attorney's fee. If the issue is found for the plaintiff, judgment shall be rendered for him in accordance with the finding. D.C.Code § 16-553 (emphasis added). Thus, attorney's fees and costs are available under this provision only where the garnisher traverses the garnishee's answer and a judgment is entered for the garnishee. Cobert argues that Pride Transport's show-cause motion amounted to a de facto traverse. We do not agree. A traverse is the statutory challenge to the accuracy and/or veracity of a garnishee's answers to interrogatories that accompany writs of attachment. See § 16-553 (If a garnishee answers to interrogatories. . ., the plaintiff may traverse the answer as to the existence or amount of the property or credits [in garnishee's hands], and the issue thereby made may be tried as provided by section 16-551.). Pride Transport's motion, however, did not constitute a challenge to the veracity or accuracy of Cobert's answers to interrogatories. Therefore, because there was no traverse followed by a favorable judgment for the garnishee, attorney's fees and costs are not authorized under the statute. [8]