Opinion ID: 1710316
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Is defendant mother entitled to attorney fees on appeal, and if so, in what amount?

Text: On July 2, 1971, defendant filed an application in this court for attorney fees for services and expenses relating to this appeal. An extended itemization of such attorney fees and expenses, attached to the application, totals $1620.10. In reply brief plaintiff denies the right to attorney fees. These parties stipulated in district court, Each of the parties shall pay his or her own attorney. This stipulation was incorporated by reference in the decree of divorce entered July 7, 1969. Plaintiff relies on Thorn v. Kelley, 257 Iowa 719, 134 N.W. 2d 545 (1965). That certiorari action involved allowance of attorney fees where no divorce was granted. It has no application here. We have allowed fees in other cases in which divorce was decreed prior to determining custody. Jackson v. Jackson, 248 Iowa 1365, 85 N.W.2d 590 (1957). We hold the stipulation of these parties in district court respecting fees was intended only to govern the litigation there, not on appeal. As support for this holding, see Haldane v. Haldane, 210 Cal.App.2d 587, 26 Cal. Rptr. 670 (1962); Keller v. Keller, 171 A.2d 511 (D.C.Mun.App.1961); Drespel v. Drespel, 56 Nev. 368, 45 P.2d 792, 54 P.2d 226 (1935). Defendant was obligated to defend trial court's decision and is entitled to an allowance for attorney fees on appeal. Such an allowance depends upon the wife's financial needs and ability of the husband to satisfy them. Hand v. Hand, 257 Iowa 643, 133 N.W.2d 63 (1965); 24 Am.Jur.2d, Divorce and Separation § 595, p. 718, 27A C.J.S. Divorce § 222, p. 973. We do not fix the total fee; we merely determine that portion which shall be paid by opposing party. Conkling v. Conkling, 185 N.W.2d 777 (Iowa 1971). Defendant receives only $15.00 per week child support. Obviously she carries the major financial burden of Michael's support. At time of trial plaintiff was employed but as usual was in economic difficulty and forced to use his father's car. We find plaintiff should pay $800.00 toward defendant's attorney fees. Any amounts owed over said sum shall be her responsibility. We affirm trial court's decree, and remand for entry of attorney fees as allowed in this opinion.