Opinion ID: 853860
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Appraisal Fees

Text: The trial court ordered Cowart to reimburse White for real estate appraisal fees in the amount of $400 for the dissolution proceeding and $400 for the contempt proceeding. The fee for the contempt appraisal was incurred after Cowart converted to Chapter 7, so his discharge does not affect that debt. However, the fee incurred as part of the dissolution was a prebankruptcy debt that was discharged unless it was in the nature of maintenance or support. The appraisal fee was to be paid to White in a lump sum and was reimbursement for a specific transaction. As such it did not provide for White's daily needs. Unlike attorney fees, the trial court was not required to consider the economic condition of the parties in ordering Cowart to pay this cost. Accordingly, the appraisal fee incurred in the dissolution proceeding was not in the nature of maintenance or support and was discharged by Cowart's bankruptcy. In sum, with respect to the monetary obligations under the 1996 decree, we conclude that Cowart's obligations to pay property taxes, the Visa bill and the appraisal fee for the dissolution were discharged in bankruptcy. We remand for a determination whether the attorney fees were in the nature of maintenance or support. In addition, other obligations Cowart incurred after November 5, 1996, including the real estate appraisal fee for the contempt proceeding, were not discharged.