Getting Your Spouse to Pay Your Attorney Fees

There are circumstances in which a court in Arizona will order your spouse to pay some or all of your attorney fees. Understanding this option can help make your divorce more affordable and make it easier to seek legal counsel.

In Arizona there are two situations in which the court may order your spouse to pay out for your attorney fees. If your spouse has far more financial resources than you do and he or she can afford an expensive attorney while you have no funds to cover legal bills, you are likely entitled to some assistance with your legal fees, so that both of you can have adequate representation in the case. The court wants to balance the playing field and make sure that the financial differences do not affect the outcome of the case.

The second instance occurs when your spouse’s behavior creates legal fees. You can ask the court to order your ex to pay your attorney fees any time your ex refuses to consider reasonable settlement attempts and forces the case to go into court. If you are willing to look at compromise and he or she is determined to drag the case out and not consider reasonable offers, the court may agree that you deserve to have your legal bills paid. The more unreasonable your ex acts, the more likely you are to receive compensation for your lawyer’s time. If your ex violates court orders or bring motions that are a waste of the court’s time, you can seek attorney’s fees for these incidents as well.

The granting of attorney’s fees is completely up to the judge’s discretion in each case. Talk with your attorney to determine if you are a good candidate for payment of attorney’s fees.

Divorce and family law cases are complex and emotional. Because of this you need a law firm that listens to your needs and then provides highly skilled representation. Make an appointment with the Sampair Group in the Mesa or Glendale areas of Arizona. Our attorneys are ready to work for you.