Gonzales v. Gonzales

*342 Opinion

This is an appeal from that portion of an order pendente lite wherein the trial court awarded the wife’s (Kathleen) attorney $7,500 in fees and $1,000 on account of costs for the prosecution of her action for separate maintenance and for the defense of the husband’s (Albert) action for dissolution. 1 The sole issue on this appeal is whether the trial court abused its discretion in making this award.

Kathleen and Albert were married on June 23, 1962. There are two minor children of the marriage. On February 13, 1974, Kathleen filed a petition (re marriage) against Albert requesting legal separation, custody of the children, child support, spousal support, division of the community property and attorneys’ fees and costs.

On that same date, Kathleen also obtained an order to show cause for certain pendente lite orders including temporary custody subject to reasonable visitation rights, $1,000 per month child support for the two children, $500 per month spousal support, $7,500 attorneys’ fees and $1,000 court costs.

On February 14, 1974, Albert filed his response (re marriage) requesting a dissolution of the marriage, division of the community property and…