Counsel fees may be awarded during divorce, custody or support litigation where authorized by statute or rule. Generally, the award is within the discretion of the court and will turn on such factors as conduct, need and income disparity. Counsel fees may be included in a final decree in divorce depending on such factors as the size of the marital estate received by the person requesting payment of fees, the value of the services rendered by an attorney, the ability of the person to pay fees, and the conduct of the parties. Actual need must be shown before an award will be made.The law makes special provision for an award of fees against any participant in a legal action, including an attorney, where his or her conduct is a delaying tactic or is undertaken in bad faith, without reason in law, or solely to cause expense. Our firm has particular expertise in securing counsel fees in matters where a party has instigated litigation or taken action in bad faith.
To learn more about how Wilder Mahood McKinley & Oglesby charges fees, and how our lawyers can resolve your family legal situation, contact us online or call our office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 412-261-4040.
