In Re Marriage of Lisi

On November 4, 1992, Kenneth Lisi filed a petition to dissolve his marriage to Pamela Lisi. A bitter battle developed over the custody of the parties' two minor children. Pursuant to Family Code section 3150, which authorizes the court to appoint private counsel to represent the interests of children in a custody proceeding, the court appointed respondent Pearl Franklin Vogel to represent the two children. Ms. Vogel retained Honey Kessler Amado to assist in the representation of the children.

On October 22, 1993, the court relieved Ms. Vogel as counsel for the children pursuant to stipulation and without prejudice, subject to reappointment on motion of one of the parties prior to time of trial. The court further ordered that "reasonable attorney's fees for Ms. Vogel will be determined at time of trial. Such fees will be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of the family residence subject to allocation of her attorney's fees as to each parties' [ sic ] share."

On October 31, 1993, Mrs. Lisi's mother shot Kenneth to death. A judgment of dissolution had not been entered. Thereafter, on March 29, 1994, Ms. Vogel sought an order fixing the amount of her fees…