Can I make my spouse pay my attorney fees?
CAstarting_over_20261 month ago
He earns 4x what I do. Is there a way to get him to pay my legal fees?
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✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
In CA yes, this exists — Family Code §2030/§2032 'need-based' fee orders and §271 'sanctions' fee orders. §2030 is the one for income disparity — it's designed to level the playing field so both sides have access to representation. You file an RFO (Request for Order) with an FL-319 attached. Judges grant these all the time, but you have to ask. The amount and timing vary by county. Bring three months of bank statements and a current FL-150 to the hearing. Not advice on your specific case.
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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.