Opinion ID: 2517898
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Claim for attorney's fees

Text: [¶ 10] In Wyoming, [w]e follow the American rule that each party in a lawsuit bears its own attorney's fees in the absence of an expressed contractual or statutory provision for attorney's fees. McLain v. Anderson, 933 P.2d 468, 472 (Wyo.1997). We have also recognized that restrictive covenants may provide contractual authority for the recovery of attorney's fees. Id. at 473. Ms. Dwan contends that she is entitled to recover attorney's fees under the terms of paragraph 8(c) of her CCRs. The pertinent provisions of that paragraph read as follows: Any Owner who uses or allows his or her Site to be used or developed in violation of these Covenants further agrees to pay all costs incurred by the party enforcing these Covenants, including reasonable attorney's fees. In addition, the Association shall have the right to enforce the restoration of the portions of the Property affected by activities in violation of the terms and conditions of these Covenants to the condition which existed prior to the undertaking of such unauthorized activity. In all such cases, the cost of enforcement and/or restoration of the Property, including reasonable attorney's fees, whether or not judicial proceedings are initiated, shall be borne by the violating party. (Emphasis added.) Because they are contractual in nature, restrictive covenants are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of contract law. We construe plain terms of a covenant, if they are sufficiently clear, without reference to any attendant facts and circumstances or extrinsic evidence. McLain, 933 P.2d at 474 (internal citation omitted). [¶ 11] Interpreting the clear language of the CCRs quoted above, we agree with the district court that Ms. Dwan is not entitled to recover attorney's fees from the Association. The first sentence allows for the recovery of attorney's fees against an Owner who violated the CCRs. Ms. Dwan is not seeking to recover attorney's fees from another Owner, but from the Association. The first sentence does not apply to Ms. Dwan's situation. The second sentence recognizes the Association's right to enforce the CCRs, and the third sentence allows for the recovery of attorney's fees [i]n all such cases. Together, these sentences allow the Association to recover attorney's fees when it enforces the CCRs. They do not allow a homeowner like Ms. Dwan to recover attorney's fees against the Association. We find no error in the district court's denial of Ms. Dwan's request to recover attorney's fees against the Association. [¶ 12] Affirmed.