Opinion ID: 1982028
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: VDisbursements and Fees

Text: In his cross-appeal, Kirk asserts that the trial court erred in not allowing him disbursements under § 28-26-06, N.D. C.C. This court has held that the taxing of costs is discretionary with the trial court in a divorce case. Klitzke v. Klitzke, 308 N.W.2d 385, 390 (N.D.1981); see also § 28-26-10, N.D.C.C. In Richter v. Jones, 378 N.W.2d 209, 213 (N.D.1985), we stated that [t]he allowance of disbursements under the statutes lies within the discretion of the trial court, which is in a better position to determine the reasonableness and necessity of the disbursements sought by the prevailing party, and the trial court's decision will be overturned only if an abuse of discretion is shown. Kirk has not shown that the trial court abused its discretion in failing to allow disbursements in this case. Kirk also claims that Rebecca's appeal is frivolous and seeks damages and costs pursuant to Rule 38, N.D.R.App.P. An appeal is frivolous if it is flagrantly groundless, devoid of merit, or demonstrates persistence in the course of litigation which evidences bad faith. Mitchell v. Preusse, 358 N.W.2d 511, 514 (N.D.1984). Rebecca's appeal is not substantively frivolous and we are not convinced that it was taken in bad faith. Accordingly, we deny Kirk's request. The judgment is affirmed. ERICKSTAD, C.J., and MESCHKE, VANDE WALLE and GIERKE, JJ., concur. LEVINE, J., concurs in the result.