WEST PATTERSON NEW JERSEY PASSAIC COUNTY DIVORCE COUNSEL FEES LAWYER

The appellate court reverses the New Jersey judgment of divorce which required the ex-husband to pay his ex-wife's counsel fees of $13,430. Though the New Jersey divorce judge discussed bad faith, he made no findings as to the parties' financial circumstances, their ability to pay their own fees or contribute to the fees of the other, or the extent of the fees incurred or any fees previously awarded. Given the size of the award, the failure of the court to engage in a complete analysis of the New Jersey Rule 5:3-5(c) factors requires that the award be vacated and remanded for further proceedings.      Goodheart v. Acharya, New Jersey App. Div., December 4, 2007