Opinion ID: 888672
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Issue 6: Did the District Court err when it denied Siegle's prayer for attorney fees?

Text: ¶ 58 In its initial order, the District Court awarded Siegle his attorney fees pending review and approval by the court. After a hearing, the District Court reversed this order and declined to award attorney fees. ¶ 59 On appeal, Siegle, citing only inapposite cases, presents an incoherent argument that he is entitled to attorney fees. Montana follows the general American Rule that a party in a civil action is not entitled to attorney fees absent a specific contractual or statutory provision. United Nat. Ins. Co. v. St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 2009 MT 269, ¶ 37, 352 Mont. 105, 214 P.3d 1260. Siegle does not cite to any contractual provision or any applicable statutory or case authority showing he is entitled to an award of fees in this proceeding. The District Court did not err in denying Siegle his attorney fees. ¶ 60 The District Court's order of June 16, 2008, is reversed and this case is remanded to the District Court for further proceedings in conformity with this opinion. The District Court's order of January 2, 2009, denying Siegle's motion for attorney fees, is affirmed. Neither party shall have their costs on appeal. MIKE McGRATH, JAMES C. NELSON, PATRICIA O. COTTER, JIM RICE, W. WILLIAM LEAPHART, BRIAN MORRIS, JJ., Concur..