BEVERLY HILLS, CA – June 01, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Recent high-profile divorce proceedings involving NBA player Dwight Howard have sparked renewed public interest in how California courts handle attorney fee requests during divorce litigation, prompting legal experts to clarify this often-misunderstood aspect of family law.
Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group (formerly Berenji & Associates), a Los Angeles-based firm focusing exclusively on family law matters, notes that many individuals facing divorce are unaware that California law permits courts to order one spouse to contribute to the other’s legal fees when there is a significant disparity in financial resources between the parties.
“The recent visibility of attorney fee requests in celebrity divorce cases has highlighted an important access-to-justice issue that affects divorcing couples across all economic levels,” said Hossein Berenji, Founder & Lead Attorney of the firm. “Many people mistakenly believe they cannot pursue divorce or obtain aggressive legal representation if they are financially dependent on their spouse or lack immediate access to marital funds. California law recognizes this imbalance and provides mechanisms to address it.”
Under California Family Code Section 2030, courts can evaluate requests for attorney’s fees in California divorce proceedings based on several factors, including each party’s ability to pay, the disparity in access to funds, and whether a contribution would help ensure both parties have adequate representation. This provision applies not only to high-asset divorces but also to cases where one spouse has controlled the family finances or where there is a substantial difference in earning capacity.
The firm emphasizes that financial dependency should not prevent individuals from seeking legal representation in divorce or custody matters. Courts regularly consider whether one party has substantially greater access to resources, including income, liquid assets, or control over marital property, when evaluating fee requests.
“Economic control and unequal access to resources have become increasingly recognized factors in modern divorce proceedings,” Berenji explained. “Courts understand that effective legal representation requires resources, and they have the authority to ensure that both parties can meaningfully participate in the legal process, regardless of who currently controls the family’s finances.”
The issue extends beyond initial retainer fees to include ongoing litigation costs, expert witness fees, and other expenses necessary for complex divorce proceedings. In high-net-worth divorces particularly, where assets may be held in various forms or jurisdictions, the costs of proper legal representation can be substantial.
While celebrity cases draw public attention to these provisions, family law attorneys stress that attorney fee awards serve a fundamental purpose in the justice system by preventing financial disparities from determining litigation outcomes. The goal is to ensure that both parties have the opportunity to present their case effectively, whether the matter involves child custody, property division, or support obligations.
Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group represents individuals throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and San Marino in complex divorce and family law matters. The firm focuses exclusively on family law, with particular experience in high-asset divorces, complex property division, and cases involving substantial support obligations. With over 45 years of combined experience, the firm has received recognition from Super Lawyers, AVVO, and other legal organizations for its work in family law litigation.
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For more information about Berenji & Associates, contact the company here:
Berenji & Associates
Berenji & Associates
3102716290
nikoo@berenjilaw.com
9465 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 333
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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