Family Code section 3557

(a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, absent good cause to the contrary, the court, in order to ensure that each party has access to legal representation to preserve each party’s rights, upon determining (1) an award of attorney’s fees and cost under this section is appropriate, (2) there is a disparity in access to funds to retain counsel, and (3) one party is able to pay for legal representation for both parties, shall award reasonable attorney’s fees to any of the following persons:

(1)

A custodial parent or other person to whom payments should be made in any action to enforce any of the following:

(A)

An existing order for child support.

(B)

A penalty incurred pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 4720) of Part 5 of Division 9.

(2)

A supported spouse in an action to enforce an existing order for spousal support.

(b)

This section shall not be construed to allow an award of attorney’s fees to or against a governmental entity.

Source: Section 3557, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=FAM§ionNum=3557.­ (accessed Apr. 24, 2025).

Last Updated

Apr. 24, 2025

§ 3557’s source at ca​.gov