Who pays the legal fees in a domestic violence case?
On behalf of Gregory S. Johnson, Attorney at Law posted in domestic violence on Thursday, April 20, 2017.
If you have been involved in a domestic violence case, you likely realize that there are no winners. Both parties can end up hurt and suffering, both emotionally and physically. Unfortunately, a court case is often required to determine responsibility and set out the guidelines for how family relationships will be managed in the future. If you have been involved in a domestic violence case in Louisiana, one of your biggest concerns may be how these legal proceedings will affect you financially. The Louisiana Supreme Court describes the state laws used to determine this answer.
The result of the charge will determine who has financial responsibility. If you accuse your spouse, partner or other family member of committing this type of abuse and he or she is found guilty, one of the punishments will be responsibility for all monetary aspects of the case. This can include the fees for an attorney, costs for medical care and bills for any psychological treatment that is needed for you or your children. Charges for all other court fees, including expert witnesses, evaluations, appeals, modifications and enforcement will also fall on the shoulders of the accused.
If you make an accusation of this type of abuse and it is found frivolous, you may be responsible for all charges mentioned above. This law applies to marital relationships, parent-child altercations and any other form of domestic violence.
Many past examples of these cases can be found in the Louisiana State Court records. This information is meant to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.