ATTORNEY FEES

If one party is "disadvantaged" in comparison to the other, then the Court may require the latter to advance the former's attorney fees and/or legal expenses (court costs, expert fees, deposition costs, etc.).

For instance, if one spouse is a highly-compensated business professional, he or she may be required to advance a specific amount to the other spouse's attorney, particularly if the other spouse is disabled, incapacitated or has devoted himself/herself to taking care of the children and the parties' home throughout the marriage.

There must be a disparity between the two parties' incomes or potential to earn.  If the parties' respective incomes are more or less equal, the Court is not likely to order one party to pay the other's attorney fees and/or legal expenses.