QUESTION
What do I need to do to dispute the additional cost?
Asked on Nov 05th, 2012 on Divorce - Florida
More details to this question:
A guardian ad litem was appointed in my divorce case. The court order says her fees are not to exceed $1500.00 (which has been paid) without courts approval. Now, she’s sending a bill for an extra $500+ each.
7 ANSWERS
Personal Injury Attorney serving Pacific, MO
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Melvin G. Franke
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What does you attorney say?
Answered on Jun 13th, 2013 at 12:48 AM
Family Law Attorney serving Petaluma, CA
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Law Office of Erin Farley
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Communicate with the Guardian ad Litem. I assume she has a copy of the order appointing her and the limit on expended fees. Let her know you are not ignoring the bill. Do you have a review date? If so, check California Rules of Court 5.240 and Family Code 7640, and bring up the issue of payment at the review date.
Answered on Nov 08th, 2012 at 3:38 AM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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If you do not pay the fees, the Guardian will have to petition the court to have an order that you should do so. At that time you can make your complaint.
Answered on Nov 08th, 2012 at 3:08 AM
Probate Law Attorney serving Colorado Springs, CO
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John E. Kirchner
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If the court order limited the fee to a maximum amount, it probably left open the possibility that the GAL could come in and ask for additional fees. Unless and until that request is made to, and approved by, the court you shouldn't have to pay the extra amount. But, you need to look at why there is an additional amount and should expect that the court will approve it if there is a good explanation.
Answered on Nov 08th, 2012 at 2:41 AM
Divorce/Family Law Attorney serving Carlsbad, CA
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Anne B. Howard, A Professional Law Corporation
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Tell her that you will pay when the court approves the bill. However the court probably will. Maybe you can't afford the guardian ad litem and need to ask the court to release her but that is up to the court. There are usually good reasons for the court wanting guardians ad litem on a case.
Answered on Nov 07th, 2012 at 9:09 PM
You could go back to Court with a request to get a different Guardian Ad Litem or a Court order reducing the cost.
Answered on Nov 07th, 2012 at 9:08 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Deltona, FL
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R. Jason de Groot, P.A.
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The court has to approve the additional fee, and probably will. So, come up with a way to pay it, or make payments.
Answered on Nov 07th, 2012 at 7:36 PM