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Suit Money
In an alimony or child support proceeding, a court may order one party to pay the litigation costs associated with prosecuting or defending the suit which are incurred by the other spouse. Expenses that may be covered include counsel fees, expert witness fees, vocational rehabilitation counselors, costs for private investigators, travel expenses, deposition costs, and court costs where “reasonable and necessary.”
In determining the amount to pay the other spouse, a court will look at (1) the parties' financial needs and resources and (2) the justification for prosecuting or defending the suit. For example, if there was little justification, as determined by the court, for prosecuting or defending the suit by one spouse, the court will award the other spouse the reasonable and necessary expense of the litigation.
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