Alan S. Was the Anchor Here, Meaning that Some Record of Relevant Factor Analysis Is Necessary in Family Law Cases. Although unpublished, the next case seems to portend the importance of Alan S. v. Superior Court, 172 Cal.App.4th 238 (2009), a decision authored by (just retired) Justice Sills of the Fourth […]
She Has To Pay $26,650 In Appellate Fees And Costs To Husband Under Needs-Based Statute. We knew one would not go well for the loser–in this case, the ex-wife–when the appellate court ominously observed early on: “This case is before us for the fourth time.” It didn’t. Ex-wife lost two prior fee
Choice of Law–California Law Applies Across the Board If It Is the Governing Choice of Law on Fee Issues. In our prior posts of June 11, 2008 and January 21, 2010, we discussed decisions indicating that Civil Code section 1717’s reciprocity principle is a fundamental California interest trumping unilateral fee clauses governed by
No Particular Order Wording Needed to Show Relevant Financial Factors Weighed. The lesson in Marriage of Walter, Case No. B225762 (2d Dist., Div. 6 June 2, 2011) (unpublished) is not that spectacular as far as results: the appellate court affirmed a needs-based attorney’s fees award of $3,250 under Family Code section 2030 in
Second District, Division 6 Does So While Affirming $75,000 Sanctions Award. In Marriage of Lancashire, Case No. B217022 (2d Dist., Div. 6 May 23, 2011) (unpublished), the Second District, Division 6 discussed deadlines for bringing attorney’s fees motions based on sanctionable conduct of family law litigants under Family Code section 271 before it
Appellate Court Stresses Civility, Reminding Us It Is Not Mutually Exclusive With Zealous Advocacy. This case is destined to be cited and likely quoted often both in the areas of family law fee sanctions under Family Code section 271 and attorney civility. In re Marriage of Davenport, Case No. A126181 (1st Dist.,
Appeal Deemed Frivolous, With Reminding Words of Wisdom to Those Choosing to Appeal. Justice Yegan of the Second District, Division 6 on behalf of a 3-0 panel, has penned a decision with some sobering reminders on the nuances of appellate practice, and is likely going to be quoted down the line. In
Here we go–a family law attorney’s fees two-fer. Bondarenko v. Buehrle, Case No. A128933 (1st Dist., Div. 2 Apr. 27, 2011) (Unpublished). This one involves an affirmance of a $5,000 Family Code section 271 sanctions award against former boyfriend/father in an acrimonious visitation dispute with former girlfriend/mother of their chid Beau. The main
Fourth District, Division 2 Issues Writ of Mandate. Before we wish all of our readers a Happy Easter (and a post-Happy Passover or other celebrations at this time of year), we report on Smith v. Superior Court (Smith), Case No. E053048 (4th Dist., Div. 2 Apr. 22, 2011) (unpublished). There, in a family
The Court of Appeals Finds Trial Court’s Order “Puzzling” Husband and wife’s marriage dissolved in 1992. In 2009, the now ex-husband filed an OSC to modify or terminate his spousal support obligation, because he planned to retire. The trial court denied the OSC, while ordering the 66-year old ex-wife to make efforts to become
