Opinion ID: 883994
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: issues

Text: Did the District Court err in failing to set forth reasons for denial of attorney fees? The District Court denied attorney fees to Bill but did not set forth reasons for the denial. A district court may award attorney fees pursuant to § 40-4-110, MCA. In the past, we have held that a district court must indicate in the findings of fact, conclusions of law, or order why attorney fees were not awarded. I n re Marriage of Gallinger (1986), 221 Mont. 463, 471, 719 P.2d 777, 782 (citing Lewis v. Lewis (1982), 198 Mont. 51, 55, 643 P.2d 604, 606). We said that a court's failure to set forth specific findings constituted remandable error. Gallinger, 719 P.2d at 782. However, we later considered that rule much too harsh to be applied on a general basis, and we held that a more appropriate standard of review for a decision not to award attorney fees is abuse of discretion. Gallinger, 719 P.2d at 783. In the present case, the record indicates that the District Court was informed of both parties' financial resources as required by § 40-4-110, MCA. Based on that information, the District Court determined that the parties would pay their own attorney fees. That information has not changed. Notwithstanding the fact that we are granting custody of A.R.A. to Bill, we determine the District Court did not abuse its discretion in directing the parties to pay their own attorney fees. Reversed in part and affirmed in part. TURNAGE, TRIEWEILER, HUNT and LEAPHART, JJ., concur.