Opinion ID: 1999384
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Allowance for plaintiff's attorney's fees.

Text: The allowance of attorney's fees in a divorce action is a matter resting within the discretion of the trial court. O'Connor v. O'Connor, supra ; Williams v. Williams (1969), 44 Wis. 2d 651, 171 N. W. 2d 902; Johnson v. Johnson (1969), 42 Wis. 2d 237, 166 N. W. 2d 230. Unless an abuse of discretion can be shown, this court will affirm the determination of the trial court. Spheeris v. Spheeris, supra . An abuse of discretion may arise where there is a failure to consider all of the relevant factors and principles of law applicable to a particular situation, Endeavor-Oxford Union Free High School Dist. v. Walters (1955), 270 Wis. 561, 72 N. W. 2d 535, or where, under the circumstances of a particular case, a division of property is considered either excessive or inadequate. Seiler v. Seiler (1970), 48 Wis. 2d 400, 180 N. W. 2d 627. In the instant case, the trial court based its award of attorney's fees on the following criteria: With respect to the contribution to the plaintiff's attorney fees, the court took into consideration the following factors, not necessarily in order of their importance: the estate of the parties, the number of hours spent on the case by Mr. Pappas, the complexity of the case, the client's ability to pay, and the results achieved by Mr. Pappas on behalf of his client. The court believes that the results were extremely beneficial for Mrs. Hennen. The court further is aware that a contribution is simply a contribution toward Mr. Pappas' attorney fees and would expect Mr. Pappas to bill Mrs. Hennen for the remainder of his fee. . . . In order for a court to direct the husband to contribute toward his wife's attorney's fees in a divorce action, there must be established a need on the part of the wife and an ability to pay on the part of the husband. Balaam v. Balaam (1971), 52 Wis. 2d 20, 32, 187 N. W. 2d 867: '. . . Where the wife is able to pay her own attorney out of income or assets, or where the husband does not have the ability to pay such contribution, there is no basis in law or in equity for requiring a husband to contribute towards payment of a fee owed by his wife to her counsel.' Hirth v. Hirth (1970), 48 Wis. 2d 491, 497, 180 N. W. 2d 601; Dees v. Dees (1969), 41 Wis. 2d 435, 164 N. W. 2d 282. In the Hirth Case, this court detailed factors which are material in determining the needs of the wife and the husband's ability to pay. Among the factors which necessarily must be considered are the assets, income and liabilities of both parties. When considering the allowance for attorney's fees, the trial court stated that it believes that the results were extremely beneficial for Mrs. Hennen. Assuming such to be a fact, and without so deciding, this would not afford a basis for directing an excessive contribution by defendant toward plaintiff's attorney's fees. The converse would be true because it would go directly to the question of the plaintiff's need for such assistance. Although the trial court stated it had considered plaintiff's ability to pay, neither the record, the decision of the trial court, nor the findings of fact, clearly establish the extent of the need on the part of the plaintiff for an allowance for her attorney's fees. The record clearly does not establish that the trial court considered the ability of the defendant to pay the allowance ordered. dere, however, defendant and plaintiff stipulated and agreed that the defendant would pay to the plaintiff's attorney that part of accountant's fees and attorneys' fees determined by the court to be properly chargeable to defendant. The stipulation of the parties, while leaving the amount of the contribution unfixed, clearly recognizes that the plaintiff is entitled to some contribution by the defendant to her attorney's fees. Furthermore, in his brief, defendant concedes that he is liable for some contribution. The stipulation in the instant case, having received the approval of the trial court, establishes the need of the plaintiff and the ability of the defendant to pay without such detailed findings as would otherwise be required. Since we have found the total fee of $10,000 to be excessive, it becomes necessary to consider the appropriate amount of the contribution. While the record is not as complete as might be desirable for this court to make a determination as to the amount of the allowance for plaintiff's attorney's fees, we consider it to be adequate. Furthermore, we are of the opinion that the interest of justice and of both parties will best be served by the resolution of this issue on appeal, rather than by remand for further litigation. Among other responsibilities incumbent on each of the parties, we are cognizant of the fact that the plaintiff assumed substantial obligations in the maintenance of the real estate she received in the property settlement. Likewise, this created certain responsibilities which the defendant must meet in addition to his obligations for alimony and support of the children. After a full consideration of the issue, we deem it appropriate that the defendant contribute $2,500 toward the plaintiff's attorney's fees. It is ordered that the judgment be modified to so provide. The judgment is modified to provide that $5,000 is the reasonable value of professional legal services performed in behalf of the plaintiff, and that the sum of $2,500 is a fair and reasonable sum to direct the defendant to contribute toward payment of such services. By the Court. Judgment modified and, as modified, affirmed. No costs to be awarded either party on this appeal.