In Myland, the COA also concluded that the trial court abused its discretion when it failed to award attorney fees based on plaintiff's needs. The trial court declined to award attorney fees, proclaiming that it only awards attorney fees where a party has engaged in egregious conduct. The trial court's statement was contrary to law, given that MCR 3.206(C)(1) expressly provides for an award of fees based on a financial inability to defend a divorce action.
The bottom line is that this opinion cements the notion that a trial court presiding over a divorce action cannot completely disregard need in its spousal support or attorney fees analysis. So, when in need, Myland is a friend indeed!
Labels: attorney fees, divorce, equitable, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, spousal support