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Attorney’s Fees, Costs, and Suit Money in the Orlando, Florida Area

Can I get attorney’s fees, cost, and suit money in the Orlando, Florida area? The Orlando, Florida area such as Orange County, Seminole County, Volusia County, and Lake County are in the Fifth District Court of Appeals. In the counties located in the Fifth District Court of Appeals,  in order to obtain attorney fees, you must prove you have a need for attorney’s fees and the other party has the ability to pay attorney’s fees. Exactly what does that mean? Do you have no money left and are in deficit each month after paying your bills? At the end of the month, do you have any monies left to pay attorney’s fees? Do you have a need for attorney’s fees?  This means you cannot afford to pay for an attorney and there is no money left after paying your monthly expenses. Does your spouse have monies left at the end of the month after paying all their bills? Do they have the ability to pay your attorney’s fees? That means you argue that the monies left each month could be used for your attorney’s fees. 

The opposing party may argue that there is a large disparity in income between the parties and; therefore, the other party can pay your attorney’s fees. They will argue they are entitled to attorney’s fees. That may work in some districts in the state. However, under the Fifth District Court of Appeals, you must show the actual need to get attorney’s fees.  

At an attorney’s fees hearing, your attorney will need to present your retainer agreement and their affidavits of time, cost and suit monies from her/him and her/his staff. You will need to testify regarding your attorney’s fees, cost, and suit money. Your attorney should call another attorney as his/her expert to testify that the attorney’s fees were reasonable. Your attorney will testify that Gary performed the work. The judge must determine that the number of hours billed and the amount the attorney billed per hour was reasonable. You will not be able to obtain attorney’s fees for hand-holding. The attorney’s work has to be for legal work done. 

If you have more questions regarding a Marital and Family Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: https//:www.AnnMarieGildenLaw.com

This article is for informational purposes only; and it does not form an attorney-client privilege.