what if i cant pay my ex lawyer fees

If you cannot pay because you don't have the money, you may ask for a payment plan or other accommodation, or may be able to work out an arrangement directly with your ex's attorney. However, failure to pay because you don't feel like it will likely result in an enforcement action, which can result, if you continue to refuse to pay, in your being incarcerated for up to 5 months and 29 days.

Full Answer

What happens if I don't pay my ex-boyfriend's attorney?

If you cannot pay because you don't have the money, you may ask for a payment plan or other accommodation, or may be able to work out an arrangement directly with your ex's attorney.

Can I get my ex-wife to pay for my legal fees?

The art and finesse of getting your ex-wife to absorb your legal costs comes in the wording of the agreement. If you can offer strong reasons why she, not you, should pay for your legal services, you may be able to get her to agree. You have a good chance of getting at least some of your legal fees paid by her under three circumstances:

Can I make the other spouse pay my attorney’s fees?

The legal fees add up and it is not uncommon for individuals to question how they can afford to continue paying their legal fees even though they need representation to protect their legal interests. One solution is filing a motion to have the other spouse/parent pay his/her attorney’s fees and costs.

Can the other party contribute to my attorney’s fees?

The court does not take a motion for attorney’s fees lightly, and as such, a justifiable need for the other party to contribute to one’s fees and costs must be adequately demonstrated. However, financial need is not the only way to seek assistance from the other party with one’s fees.

Does losing party pay legal fees Canada?

All provinces in Canada and almost all common law jurisdictions have adopted the “English system” of “loser pays” court costs. Historically, under the English system, successful litigants were awarded approximately 40-50% of their actual legal expenses.

Can my spouse make me pay her divorce attorney fees in California?

No law in California or any other state requires one partner to pay the other's attorney fees. California judges will – in very rare cases – issue an order to one spouse to pay the other's attorney fees, but only – in most cases – if a family's finances are so one-sided that the divorce process would otherwise be ...

Who pays attorney fees in child custody cases California?

Pursuant to Family Code 2030 et seq., California Family Courts are authorized to make an order requiring any party to litigation to pay a reasonable portion of the opposing party's attorney's fees, so that the latter can maintain or defend a proceeding.

Who pays the court fees in a divorce?

There appears to be a myth that the person being divorced (known as the Respondent) always pays the fees for a divorce, when in reality this is not the case in the majority of divorce cases. The person filing for the divorce (known as the Applicant) will always pay the divorce filing fee.

What does sanctions mean in a divorce?

Sanctions. Term Definition Sanctions - court-ordered punishment for improper behavior, such as making frivolous claims or obstructing discovery. Application in Divorce In divorce actions, sanctions sometimes happen when one party sabotages the legitimate efforts of the other during discovery.

How can I get out of paying court costs?

Ask your lawyer about getting any court fees waived (set aside or forgiven). If you do not have a lawyer, you can still call the local legal aid office to see if they can help you get any court fees waived or you can ask the judge to waive some or all of the court fees by filling out a form called a fee waiver request.

Can costs be awarded in Family Court?

Costs Orders in Family Law Proceedings The Court will usually order a party to pay the costs of the other party if they have acted unreasonably throughout the proceedings or Court process. Costs will be payable regardless of whether a party is in receipt of Legal Aid.

How much does a child custody lawyer cost in California?

Generally, child custody attorneys can charge flat fees anywhere between $3,000 to $20,000. These flat fees will likely be smaller depending on how much mediation is required and the number of court appearances necessary. If finances are an issue, one should consider searching for a pro bono lawyer.

What happens if you don't pay your ex's attorney?

Failure to comply with ANY court order can have serious consequences, which may ultimately include incarceration, even if the order was for payment of attorney's fees. If you cannot pay because you don't have the money, you may ask for a payment plan or other accommodation, or may be able to work out an arrangement directly with your ex's attorney. However, failure to pay because you don't feel like it will likely result in an enforcement action, which can result, if you continue to refuse to pay, in your being incarcerated for up to 5 months and 29 days.

How long can you be in jail for refusing to pay?

However, failure to pay because you don't feel like it will likely result in an enforcement action, which can result, if you continue to refuse to pay, in your being incarcerated for up to 5 months and 29 days.

What happens if you don't obey a court order?

The consequences could be a fine, jail, fine and jail or just a reprimand with another Order to pay. If a reprimand with another Order, you might want to consider the consequences of not obeying the Courts Order for a second time. You may also have to pay her attorney fees if she has to go to Court to enforce the original Order.

How long can you be held in contempt of court?

Contempt means that you can be held in the custody of the sheriff for up to 6 months.

John Noah Kitta

i agree with the other attorneys, you are obligated to pay the bill, try and see if he will accept the reduced amount, if not decide if it worth your while to request fee arbitration with the State Bar or work out a payment plan.

Constantine D. Buzunis

Unfortunately you are the one who entered into the contract to pay your attorney not your ex-husband. Your attorney can collect from you and you would be responsible for collecting from your ex husband.

Christine James

You still owe the amount until your ex pays him. The attorney was removing it from your bill because your ex owed him but now that you switched attorneys, the amount is owed. Ask your attorney about these issues but if you're not represented then you can garnish the wages or file for contempt.

Robert Perez Soto

I agree with Mr. Rafter and Mr. Reynolds, legal fees are like any other debt. Its certainly possible that you could be sued on the debt. If a judgment were obtained, it could be executed against you like any other judgment. However, GAL fees are typically required to be paid by court order and, therefore...

William Joseph Reynolds

If you have costs and fees that YOU owe, you can reasonably expect at least the attorney and probably the GAL to come to you to collect.

Rixon Charles Rafter III

Of course they can. If you have legal fees you can expect to be sued for those fees. More court time. Court judgments. Liens against personal or real property. It's not a good scenario. Recommend you work out some kind of payment plan that your new husband will accept...

What does it mean when a lawyer gives you grounds for divorce?

You are emotional, in the midst of heartache, and thinking illogically. If she gave you grounds for divorce, you have even more reason to want to exact revenge.

Do you have to have an attorney in Virginia for divorce?

Virginia is very flexible in some of its divorce law. You do not have to retain an attorney to proceed with a divorce case. No judge or government official will order you to get an attorney, nor will one be provided for you.

How to prove attorney fees?

The petitioning spouse must prove their need for the award of attorney fees. This is done by presenting evidence to the court that because of a financial need, they are unable to pay the attorney fees. This evidence includes: 1 Current Income 2 Your net worth 3 Past earnings 4 Value of Assets

Can my ex pay my attorney fees?

While it is possible for your ex to pay your attorney fees, it is unlikely. All courts follow the “American Rule” regarding legal fees, which requires that each party pay for their own representation. It is in limited circumstances that judges will order one party to pay the other’s attorney fees.

Can a judge order one party to pay the other's attorney fees?

It is in limited circumstances that judges will order one party to pay the other’s attorney fees. According to Section 61.16 of the Florida Statutes, a court may at times order a party to pay a “reasonable amount” for attorney fees.

Can a non-compliant party ask for attorney fees?

However, the noncompliant party in the proceeding cannot ask for attorney fees, suit money, or costs.

Do you have to pay a court order?

If it was part of the original court order, or in any subsequent order to make sure you paid, then yes, you will have to pay. Talk with your attorney to see what the orders said.

Do I have to pay my attorney's fees?

What does the Order say? If she has a Court Order requiring you to pay her attorney's fees, then yes, you are required to pay her attorney's fees because it is in the Order. If an Order has been issued that does not include attorney's fees (or leave the issue open for later determination), then I don't see how she can obtain attorney's fees. If the case is still open, she could request the Court to order you to pay her attorney's fees. Since the issue surrounds past due child support, a Judge could ultimately award her attorney's fees, but the Court would take into consideration your current financial circumstances.

Can a judge order you to pay for her fees?

A judge could order you to pay for her fees depending on how much she makes. If you owed support, there may be an automatic right to get attorney fees from you for collection.

Can my wife ask for attorney fees?

If you and your wife cannot reach a settlement, which will usually waive claims for attorney fees, and the case goes to a full trial, then she can ask for attorney fees. However, attorney fees are in most cases only awarded to the "less monied spouse", meaning that if your wife makes about the same or more than you do, then it is likely that her request for attorney fees will be denied.

Is attorney's fee a community obligation?

Attorney's fees for the divorce are a community obligation-just as joint bills you may have run up while you were married. If you were represented during the divorce, your attorney's fees are chargeable to the community as well, so the two charges would offset one another, normally.