Opinion ID: 1918504
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: whether the lower court abused its discretion when ordering thomas to partially pay martha's attorney's fees without proof of her inability to pay.

Text: ¶ 35. Like other matters, awarding attorney's fees is entrusted to the chancellor's broad discretion. Boykin v. Boykin, 565 So.2d 1109, 1116 (Miss.1990); Cheatham v. Cheatham, 537 So.2d 435, 440 (Miss.1988); Holleman v. Holleman, 527 So.2d 90, 95 (Miss.1988). ¶ 36. Thomas alleges that the chancellor abused his discretion when awarding Martha partial attorney fees without a showing of an inability to pay. Martha demonstrated her inability to pay fees in that she borrowed the money to pay the portion of the fees that had been paid. However it should be noted that the amount he was ordered to pay, $2268.00, was offset by the amount Martha had to pay Thomas to equalize the distribution of marital assets. The chancellor used sound discretion when awarding Martha partial payment of attorney fees and is therefore affirmed. ¶ 37. On cross-appeal Martha raises the single issue: