Opinion ID: 901034
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Award of Attorney Fees to Mother

Text: [¶ 37.] SDCL 15-17-38 permits the award of attorney's fees in divorce actions. Kappenman v. Kappenman, 522 N.W.2d 199, 202 (S.D.1994). As we said in Temple v. Temple, 365 N.W.2d 561 (S.D.1985), each case rests on its own merits and in the court's discretion. In reviewing such awards, we will consider the totality of circumstances. Pribbenow v. Van Sambeek, 418 N.W.2d 626, 630 (S.D.1988). The trial court considered the proper factors to determine the reasonableness of attorney's fees and whether either party ought to be required to contribute to the fees of the other. See Kappenman, 522 N.W.2d 199. In accord with Ryken v. Ryken, 461 N.W.2d 122 (S.D. 1990), the trial court considered the relative incomes of the parties to be significant in this case. After finding that Travis's income was almost four times Teresa's income, the trial court divided the burden accordingly, ordering that Travis pay 70% of Teresa's attorney fees, tax, and costs. In addition, the court also found that Travis should pay 80% of the home study cost. The court did not abuse its discretion.