Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Prior judgement vs. final decree of divorce

There was a judgement against my former

husband and for me for lawyer fees in the amount

of $5000 early in the divorce proceedings

(concurrent with the child support decision.) My

former husband paid $4000 of the $5000 before

our final settlement.

He maintains that the final papers which said we

are to each be responsible for our own legal bills

negated the prior award. He believes he should

not be required to complete the payment of that

judgement.

That award was not referenced in the settlement

papers. My attorney at the time had said the

award would stand, but my former husband

believse nothing from my attorney says.

I need to hear from another expert. Does my

former husband still owe me $1000?

Thanks in advance for your help.


Asked on 1/16/02, 12:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Hay Hay Law Firm

Re: Prior judgement vs. final decree of divorce

Hi

I'm sorry to say that I have seen decisions in favor of both you and your ex on this issue. I believe the proper decision is that the attorneys' fees award from before the divorce is superseded by the decree, but different judges will decide this case in different ways. Your attorney is in the best position to fully evaluate this issue because he or she is most familiar with all the circumstances of your case.

Read more
Answered on 1/18/02, 12:42 pm


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