Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey

Payment of spouses legal fees to level the field

I was married on 09/28/98 and within a year I new I wanted a divorce. I had a lawyer draw up a propery agreement to dissolve our assets. The main reason for my wanting adicvorce was b/c of her job and the suspiciion of her having an affair. At the time my spouse and I made equivalent incomes. My spouse did not sign the agreement. To date I have filed for divorce, now my spouse has a different job and lives with her parents. Her current salary is half of mine. In a recent proceeding I was told I had to pay a portion of her legal fees. Is this correct?


Asked on 4/13/01, 2:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Gleaner Robert A. Gleaner, P.C.

Re: Must I pay her legal fees?

Maybe. The requirement to pay legal fees in NJ is controlled by a line of cases, primarily Williams vs. Williams, which sets out a number of standards including but not limited to ability to pay, complexity of issues, bad or good faith of the parties, etc. It's hard to judge whether you will be ordered to pay or not without getting into more detail as to your case. Your attorney should be able to discuss this with you with greater authority since he/she has more knowledge concerning your case. Good luck! Rob Gleaner

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Answered on 6/13/01, 9:53 am


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