Opinion ID: 2595269
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Was it Error to Consider the Zabel Appraisal

Text: [¶ 21] Both parties obtained appraisals on the real property at issue. Bob Zabel did an appraisal for wife. In appraising some of the real property, Zabel used an unconventional method to assess its value. Because that property produced considerable income from surface damage payments and CRP payments, he appraised it at a value considerably higher than did husband's appraiser. Because the methodology used by Zabel with respect to that property was unconventional, the district court did not consider it. However, with respect to the Home Place, the district court chose to rely on Zabel's appraisal. Zabel's appraisal was considerably higher than that done by husband's appraiser. This argument is based in part upon the parties' ownership of an undivided 4/7 interest in the Home Place, a circumstance that serves to devalue the property because it makes the property virtually unmarketable. The district court's decision appears to be based upon a realistic view of its value as the parties' home, which was a factor at the core of Zabel's appraisal. [¶ 22] As noted above, the district court enjoys considerable latitude and broad discretion with respect to the admission or exclusion of evidence. We have reviewed the evidence relating to the appraisals in detail and conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting a portion of Zabel's appraisal and utilizing it in valuing the Home Place. Did the District Court Err in Awarding Wife Attorney's Fees [¶ 23] Wife's evidence with respect to attorney's fees was admitted without objection from husband. We have held as follows with respect to this issue: The purpose of attorney fees in a divorce case is to assist the party, as necessary, so that the party can carry on or defend the action. Hendrickson v. Hendrickson, 583 P.2d 1265, 1268 (Wyo.1978); Prentice v. Prentice, 568 P.2d 883, 886 (Wyo.1977). The party seeking to recover attorney's fees bears the burden of demonstrating the reasonableness of the fees and must submit an itemized bill reflecting the time and rate charged. Pekas v. Thompson, 903 P.2d 532, 536 (Wyo.1995) (quoting Hinckley v. Hinckley, 812 P.2d 907, 915 (Wyo.1991)). Even though Hessel and Black are both independently wealthy, the statute does not require that Hessel establish financial necessity for the award of attorney's fees and costs. Rocha, 925 P.2d at 234. Hessel attached an itemized list of her expenses to her Reply to Defendant's Response and Objection to Plaintiff's Bill of Costs and Attorney's Fees. That document was sufficient to establish reasonableness in light of the expenditures Black made to create his elaborate presentations in this case. Hessel's expenses under the circumstances were reasonable and necessary to a defense against the attack mounted by Black on the Decree of Divorce. We find in this record more than sufficient information to permit the district court reasonably to decide as it did, and nothing indicates that the decision was arbitrary or capricious. In the absence of an abuse of discretion, we affirm the order awarding Hessel attorney fees and costs. Black v. DeBlack, 1 P.3d 1244, 1252-53 (Wyo. 2000); Russell v. Russell, 948 P.2d 1351, 1355-56 (Wyo.1997). Under the circumstances of the instant case we find no abuse of discretion in the award of attorney's fees.