Attorney’s Fees and Costs

Attorney’s fees and costs in a family law case in California refer to the legal fees and expenses a party incurs when hiring an attorney to represent him/her in a divorce, separation or paternity case. These fees can include charges for legal services such as consultations, document preparation, court appearances and negotiations.

In California, each party in a family law case is responsible for paying his/her own attorney’s fees and costs, unless there is a specific agreement between the parties or there is a court order that requires one party to pay the other’s fees. In cases where one party has more financial resources than the other, the court may order that the wealthier party pay some or all of the other party’s legal fees and costs.

To determine whether one party should be ordered to pay the other’s attorney’s fees and costs, the court will consider factors such as the financial needs and resources of each party, the disparity in income and earning capacity between the parties, the extent to which the fees and costs were incurred to enable the other party to access legal representation and any other relevant factors.  

It is important to note that attorney’s fees and costs in a family law case can add up quickly, so it’s essential to discuss these expenses with your attorney and have a clear understanding of the fees and costs you will be responsible for paying. Additionally, there may be other expenses related to a family law case, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees and other expenses that may be incurred during the legal process. It is important to budget for these expenses as well.

My goal is to minimize your attorney’s fees and costs so that you keep more of your money for your needs and your family’s needs.