Kalfin

FACTS & PROCEDURE

The facts concerning the underlying dispute are fully addressed in our concurrently filed opinion in Debra R. Kalfin v. Judith A. Kalfin (Oct. 15, 2013, G046639) [nonpub. opn.] (Kalfin 1). We adopt and incorporate by reference the facts and analysis from our opinion in Kalfin 1 and will not repeat them here. In that opinion, we affirmed the judgment awarding Debra approximately $1.4 million in compensatory damages and $260,000 in punitive damages against Judith on causes of action for breach of oral contract and financial abuse in violation of Welfare and Institutions Code section 15610.30. Debra’s Motion for Attorney Fees Debra filed a motion for her attorney fees pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 15657.5, subdivision (a), which provides a plaintiff who

For convenience and clarity, we will refer to the family members by their first names, with no disrespect intended.

2 prevails on a claim for financial abuse under Welfare and Institutions Code section 15610.30, “shall [be] award[ed her] reasonable attorney’s fees . . . .” Her motion was accompanied by a declaration from her lead attorney, Patrick L. Rendon, who detailed the…