Attorneys’ Fees
Hello, my name is Brian L. Jackson. I am a Tulsa father’s rights attorney here with Dads.Law, where fathers are not disposable. Last time we were talking about protective orders, and I want to talk a little bit about attorney’s fees at large, and when you can get attorney’s fees and how you can get attorney’s fees.
So, any kind of a family law proceeding under Title 43, attorney’s fees are potentially at issue. Assuming you’re not dealing with special circumstances, there’s two major considerations that come into play. There’s the issue of the person’s ability to pay, and then there’s what’s equitable.
Factors are going to be things like the party’s relative ability to finance an attorney. Did one party or the other act in a manner that complicates the litigation? Did one party or another act in a manner that was contrary to the best interest of the children? Is there domestic violence? Those are the major considerations.
The Importance of Weighing the Equities
The court can look at that and do what’s called weighing the equities and determine who’s entitled to attorney’s fees, if anybody. Now, the thing to be aware of with attorney’s fees is if you are just being an obstinate jerk, that’s when you can open yourself up to some serious liability because that is where, in a court of equity, the court can punish you for your annoying behavior by making you pay the other party’s attorney’s fees.
And it can get expensive quickly, especially if you’re talking about a case that gets nasty. You go to do a two- or three-day trial over something that never should have gone to trial, you could be looking at $10,000, $15,000, $20,000 in attorney’s fees for just one side, depending on the complexity. And needless to say, most of us don’t have that kind of cash laying around, nor do you really want to spend it that way.
Be Reasonable and Avoid Unnecessary Expenses
In my experience, most of you don’t look forward to going to court unless it’s because you’re being paid to be there. So, the lesson with that is, you know, be reasonable, don’t be an ass. Because, you know, if you are being an ass, you get to pay the tax for that, if you could.
And guys, if you have questions about that or you need help, I would encourage you to go to Dads.Law, where fathers are not disposable.
Get a Low-cost Strategy Session
If you have any questions or need assistance with attorney’s fees in Oklahoma, reach out to us for ainitial strategy session . We are here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights as a father.
