Opinion ID: 2600122
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Roark is entitled to attorney fees for defending a frivolous appeal.

Text: When faced with an appeal and cross-appeal, this Court may independently consider the appropriateness of an award for attorney fees in each appeal. Fairfax v. Ramirez, 133 Idaho 72, 982 P.2d 375 (Ct.App. 1999). This Court may award attorney fees on appeal when this court is left with the abiding belief that the appeal was brought, pursued or defended frivolously, unreasonably or without foundation. Minich v. Gem State Developers, Inc., 99 Idaho 911, 918, 591 P.2d 1078, 1085 (1979). This Court will not award attorney fees where the losing party brought the appeal in good faith and where a genuine issue of law was presented. Id. In this case, it is clear there was a lot number description for Roark's property, and the Bentleys did not distinguish or ask this Court to overrule any precedent. The trial court clearly articulated the lot number exception and explained why it applied in this instance. On appeal, Bentleys have presented no reasoned basis for questioning the trial court's decision. As a result, this appeal is frivolous and unreasonable and Roark is entitled to attorney fees on appeal.