Section 18.8 Attorney Fees and Costs

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

D. (§18.8) Attorney Fees and Costs

Missouri law authorizes a court to order a party to pay a reasonable amount for attorney fees and costs in any proceeding or PDL motion that takes place before the final dissolution judgment. The language set out in § 452.355.1, RSMo 2000, states that such an award may take place “from time to time,” and it does not limit the award to fees earned as of the date of the award. A party may lack resources to pay attorney fees required for estimated or anticipated legal work; therefore, in a PDL motion, a party can request and obtain an order for fees and costs “on account.” State ex rel. Carlson v. Aubuchon, 669 S.W.2d 294, 297 (Mo. App. E.D. 1984). Costs may include deposition...